Cancer Research UK warns 10,000 lives at risk in Scotland without urgent action

More than 10,000 lives could be saved in Scotland over the next 15 years if urgent steps are taken to reduce cancer deaths, according to new analysis from a charity.

Cancer Research UK has urged politicians to make cancer a priority ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliament election, calling for a commitment to cut the cancer death rate by 15% by 2040.

The call comes as CRUK launches its new manifesto for Scotland, which sets out recommendations that it says would improve outcomes for patients and families.

These include funding and delivering Scotland’s existing ten-year cancer strategy, tackling long waiting times, and boosting NHS workforce capacity.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer has an immeasurable impact on people. Alongside the devastating human cost of cancer, this report also reveals there is a significant economic cost.

“It’s shocking how many lives could be shattered by this cancer crisis if the current situation fails to improve.”

The charity’s analysis found premature cancer deaths in 2023 led to the loss of around 30,000 productive years of life, costing Scotland an estimated £840m.

Campaigners gathered outside the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, highlighting the need to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Scotland, with waiting times at record levels. In March 2025, only 68.9% of patients started treatment within the 62-day target, well short of the 95% standard.

Mitchell added: “Improving cancer survival in Scotland will require strong political will and decisive leadership.

“With next year’s Scottish Parliament elections comes a vital opportunity to transform the NHS by funding the delivery of Scotland’s cancer strategy. This means tackling waiting times, driving innovative reforms, and investing in staff and equipment.”

Among those supporting the campaign is 23-year-old PhD student Shaumya Kularajan from Glasgow, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020, just months before starting a medicine degree.

She underwent six months of chemotherapy before being told she was in remission in early 2021. Now studying at the University of Glasgow, she is researching how children and young people with cancer are affected when they need intensive care.

Shaumya said: “When you hear those words, ‘It’s cancer’, all you want to know is you or your loved one have the best possible chance of surviving.

“Cancer is the defining health issue of our time and it doesn’t discriminate. So many people’s lives are touched by this disease, and the numbers are only growing. It’s vital that saving lives comes before politics.”

She added: “We must make sure cancer is at the forefront of the minds of all future Scottish Parliament members so the right investments are made and enough new medical staff are trained so Scotland has a NHS workforce to meet demand.”