Scottish Government publish new action plan for cancer services
Pancreatic Cancer UK's Head of Scotland, Dawn Crosby, comments on the Scottish Government’s Cancer Recovery Plan
The Scottish Government’s Cancer Recovery Plan – Recovery and Redesign: An Action Plan for Cancer Services, has been published today.
Dawn Crosby, Head of Scotland at Pancreatic Cancer UK said:
“The frank admission in this plan that more can and must be done to address the unacceptable lack of improvement in outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer is long overdue and hugely significant. More than half of people diagnosed with this devastating disease die within three months of diagnosis. There is simply no time to wait with pancreatic cancer and this plan rightly recognises the need for urgency. Delays can cost patients their chance of having surgery, the only potentially lifesaving treatment for pancreatic cancer. That is why the commitments to increase GP access to CT-scans; pilot early diagnostic centres, where essential tests can be done one day, and the focus on improving the treatment pathway for patients are so welcome.
There is simply no time to wait with pancreatic cancer and this plan rightly recognises the need for urgency.
“Adequately funded and properly implemented, the steps in this plan have the potential to save many more lives from pancreatic cancer and other less survivable cancers. We urge the other UK governments to follow Scotland’s lead and prioritise improving the survival and quality of life of people affected by pancreatic cancer as they look beyond COVID-19.”