Views wanted on cancer strategy

Patients are being asked for their views on cancer services

Patients, health staff and carers are being invited to contribute ideas towards the future of cancer care.

The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation before it draws up a new strategy for dealing with cancer.

Over the next 12 weeks the public will be asked for their opinions on issues such as screening, diagnosis, treatment and waiting times.

Every year about 27,000 people are diagnosed with cancer, which is the leading cause of death in Scotland.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, who launched the discussion at the Cancer Centre in Edinburgh's Western General Hospital, said: "Cancer affects all of us at some point in our lives, whether as a patient, carer, friend or family, or indeed as a healthcare professional providing care and treatment for people with cancer.

I want patients to tell me how they find the current experience, and what they feel are reasonable waiting times Nicola Sturgeon Health Secretary

"Each year, around 27,000 people are diagnosed with cancer, and that number is projected to keep on rising over the next 10 to 15 years, largely because of our ageing population.

"This is why cancer is a national clinical priority for the Scottish Government and we are committed to involving and engaging everyone in developing a new cancer action plan."

She said the discussion document included an open invitation for people to provide views and ideas about any aspect of cancer care.

"It builds on existing achievements by setting out a range of broad action areas to be addressed and putting a new focus on options to improve cancer waiting times," she added.

"I have made it clear that I expect NHS boards to deliver a maximum 62 day wait from urgent referral for all cancer types and I am pleased that current data on these waiting times is very encouraging.

"However, I want patients to tell me how they find the current experience, and what they feel are reasonable waiting times. It's important we develop a strategy that will meet the needs of those affected by cancer for years to come."