A NEW report into the Scottish Government’s £100 million cancer strategy has found that the majority of its objectives are on track, but it has raised concerns that staff shortages could undermine plans.
A review of the five-year plan at its halfway point found the majority of its aims were on track, but it questions the ability of the workforce to meet rising demand on services, particularly across diagnostics.
Around 32,000 people in Scotland are diagnosed with cancer each year, expected to reach 40,000 by 2027.
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Cancer, which compiled the report, heard evidence that efforts to increase diagnostic capacity were being hindered by staff levels.
Gregor McNie, head of external affairs in Scotland for Cancer Research UK, said: “A great deal of progress has been made in the implementation of the strategy and we’re really pleased to see the Scottish Government is on course to meet its £100m funding commitment.
“However, significant staffing shortages remain a serious concern and the Scottish Government must now plan and deliver for a fully resourced Scottish cancer workforce both now and in the future.”
The strategy, due to be fully implemented by 2021, is aimed at getting more cancers diagnosed and treated quicker. A large majority – 47 out of 54 – of its actions and investments have been completed or are on track, the report found.
It highlights progress in areas including tackling obesity, and tobacco and alcohol use – all linked to cancer.
But the group’s co-conveners, Miles Briggs and Anas Sarwar, said urgent action was needed to address staff shortages.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman was due to meet members of the Scottish Cancer Coalition yesterday to discuss the strategy.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “As the cross-party group’s report recognises, 87% of the actions in the strategy have either been completed or are on track.
“We recognise there can be challenges in recruiting the right specialist staff for some services.
“That’s why the Scottish Cancer Taskforce is feeding into the development of the Scottish Government Integrated Workforce Plan.”
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