Cancer Research UK publishes its manifesto for Holyrood
More than 10,000 lives could be saved over the next 15 years if the next Scottish Government takes urgent action, according to new analysis from Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
Ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliament election, the charity has urged politicians to commit to reducing the cancer death rate in Scotland by 15% by 2040 through a fully funded cancer strategy.
This ambition would prevent around 10,100 deaths, it said.
The call comes as CRUK publishes its manifesto for Scotland outlining key recommendations that would make a difference to cancer patients and their families.
This includes funding and delivering Scotland’s existing 10-year cancer strategy; tackling long waiting times; and strengthening NHS capacity to meet patient need.
The charity also highlighted the significant cost of cancer to Scotland’s economy. In 2023, premature cancer deaths in Scotland resulted in the loss of 30,000 productive years of life, with an estimated cost to the economy of £840 million.
Chief executive of Cancer Research UK, Michelle Mitchell, said: “Cancer has an immeasurable impact on people. Alongside the devastating human cost of cancer, this report also reveals there is a significant economic cost.
“It’s shocking how many lives could be shattered by this cancer crisis if the current situation fails to improve.”
Gathering outside the Scottish Parliament, CRUK campaigners highlighted the need to do more to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, which remains the leading cause of death in Scotland.
Cancer waiting times in Scotland are also currently the worst on record with only 68.9% of patients in March 2025 being seen within the 62 day target.
Michelle Mitchell continued: “Improving cancer survival in Scotland will require strong political will and decisive leadership.
“With next year’s Scottish Parliament elections comes a vital opportunity to transform the NHS by funding the delivery of Scotland’s cancer strategy. This means tackling waiting times, driving innovative reforms, and investing in staff and equipment.
“Urgent action must also support life-saving research, earlier diagnoses and treatments, and effective prevention so that more people live longer, healthier lives free from the fear of cancer.”
PhD student Shaumya Kularajan from the University of Glasgow joined campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament.
Shaumya, who is training to be a medical doctor, was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer known as Hodgkin lymphoma in June 2020.
She is now in remission and urging all political parties to put cancer at the heart of their election pledges.
Shaumya, 23, of Glasgow said: “When you hear those words, ‘It’s cancer’, all you want to know is you or your loved one have the best possible chance of surviving.
“Cancer is the defining health issue of our time and it doesn’t discriminate. So many people’s lives are touched by this disease, and the numbers are only growing. It’s vital that saving lives comes before politics.
“We must make sure cancer is at the forefront of the minds of all future Scottish Parliament members so the right investments are made and enough new medical staff are trained so Scotland has a NHS workforce to meet demand.
“That’s why I’m supporting this campaign - I’m determined to help others and spare them from unnecessary heartache.”
