Cutting Cancer Wait Times
Scottish Labour will tackle long waits for cancer treatment and ensure the disease is caught earlier to save the lives of people across Scotland.
A Scottish Labour government will improve access to screening and faster diagnosis, as part of Scottish Labour’s plan to finally deliver Scotland’s lifesaving 62-day waiting times standard, which has not been met since 2012.
A modern screening programme will see screening for lung cancer – Scotland’s biggest killer – rolled out as fast as possible, alongside a national programme of self-sampling for cervical cancer and a targeted prostate cancer screening pilot.
Partnerships with the third sector and local communities will also deliver targeted interventions to reach those least likely to participate in screening programmes.
Where there is a suspicion of cancer, the party will ensure there is population-wide access to the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service and ensure GPs can directly refer their patients for urgent tests or specialist appointments.
We will also deliver an enhanced role for GPs in identifying cancer and improving outcomes for patients as part of the new negotiated GP contract.
Cancer patients will be supported from suspicion of cancer through their treatment with a Care Navigator who will ensure tests and results are delivered on time. Patients will also receive a tailored care plan at diagnosis, covering treatment, mental health support, and employment guidance.
The commitment follows the announcement from the party that it will upgrade hospital scanners over a decade old with new AI-enabled scanners that are faster, more accurate, and increase the number of appointments available.
As well as identifying cancer faster this technology will help diagnose degenerative diseases such as dementia and multiple sclerosis.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “People diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families, will understandably feel great anxiety about their treatment – which is only worsened by any delays they are then faced with.
“There are still gross inequalities when it comes to screening and early detection, all while lifesaving treatment standards haven’t been met in more than a decade.
“That is why Scottish Labour is committed to redoubling efforts to detect cancer earlier, meet the lifesaving 62-day cancer treatment standard, and help give Scots the best chances of survival.
“The truth is that while the risk of dying from cancer in Scotland has decreased, uptake in screening programmes is still below target, especially in communities that are hardest to reach.
“Hospitals are still using decades-old diagnostics scanners, while the radiology workforce is burnt-out and stretched to breaking point.
“We can’t afford to let this situation continue, and for lifesaving treatment targets to continue being missed.”
Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie added: “As part of our commitment to improving the uptake of cancer screenings, we will work with local community groups and trusted voices who are friends and neighbours who can help encourage people to attend an appointment.
“And while the SNP government has been asleep at the wheel on lung cancer screenings – trailing behind England and Wales who have set out a timetable for national, targeted screening programmes – Scottish Labour will do everything in our power to expedite that process here.
“Under a Scottish Labour government, every cancer patient will be guaranteed a named Care Navigator who will support them and their family through their journey, from suspicion of cancer through to treatment.
“The people of Scotland deserve better than the SNP. They are out of ideas, out of energy, and out of time. In just two months’ the people of Scotland will be able to turn the page on 19 years of dismal SNP government and choose a new direction with Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour.”