Meeting with Cancer Research UK at Labour in Scotland’s party conference in Dundee  local MSP Rhoda Grant, Labour, said:

“Like everywhere in Scotland, cancer has a huge effect on families in the Highlands and Islands so it has been fantastic to meet with the Cancer Research UK team to hear more about their priorities for diagnosing patients sooner in Scotland.”

Rhoda Grant MSP with Jonathan Roden, who is Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) for Cancer Research UK.

Rhoda Grant urged the Scottish Government to address shortages in the diagnostic workforce in Scotland.

The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the more likely it is to be treated successfully.

For some of the most common types of cancer, survival is more than three times likely higher when the disease is diagnosed at its earliest stages.

Gordon Matheson, Public Affairs Manager for Scotland at Cancer Research UK, said:

“The NHS is under continued strain with too many patients still waiting too long for tests, some of which could detect cancer”.

“With a welcome focus on screening and early detection of cancer, there’s an urgent need to comprehensively address workforce shortages.”

“Much needed investment in this area is beginning to emerge and it’s vital we see a strong emphasis on making sure we have enough staff to meet increasing patient need, and that existing staff are being used to their best potential.”