The Scottish Government must take urgent and drastic action to tackle the cancer care crisis, according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth, as the number of urgent referrals for cancer have risen in Dumfries and Galloway, by 51 per cent in just four years.

The figures were obtained by Scottish Labour through FOI requests and show a rise from 1,496 in 2018/19 to 2,259 in 2022/23.

This dramatic spike in urgent referrals is likely due to overstretched services and a complete failure to invest in primary care, causing initial assessments to be missed or delayed.

The Scottish Government has failed to meet its own key performance targets for cancer treatment. The 62-day treatment standard has not been met in over a decade. Earlier this year, this Scottish Government published its latest cancer strategy, but it failed to outline when it will deliver on these critical targets.  

Colin Smyth said: “Cancer remains Scotland’s biggest killer and yet this Government has time and time again failed to take the decisive action needed to save lives.

“Every loved one lost to cancer is a tragedy. It is absolutely crucial that everybody afflicted by cancer has early access to high-quality treatment and care.

“These figures show shocking a shocking rise in the numbers of urgent cancer referrals in Dumfries and Galloway, with similar increases seen across Scotland.

“Covid can no longer be used as an excuse, this surge in suspected cancer referrals goes far deeper.

“The time for warm words is over. The Scottish Government must take immediate action, invest in primary care and come up with a proper workforce plan to reverse this crisis before any more lives are lost.”