A £3 million investment has been announced for accelerated treatment for lung cancer in Scotland, with new diagnostic services to ensure patients receive faster access to treatment.
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland.
It is hoped the new services will ensure a faster process, reduce patient anxiety, reduce the risk of the cancer growing or spreading and reduce the risk of patients being unfit for effective treatment.
The new services will set timeframes for each step, with diagnosis set for 21 days after referral and treatment for most set at day 42.
Health boards will receive funding to realign services, so patients can receive multiple tests at the same time and reduce their trips to hospital.
Led by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery, the nationally developed lung cancer pathway is the first to be developed in Scotland. It will be funded by the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Earlier Programme.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland with around 5,500 cases diagnosed each year. The number of new cases is predicted to increase by 29% for women and 12% for men by 2027. That’s why we have to do as much as we can to tackle this disease.
“This redesign means faster and more efficient treatment for lung cancer patients. Even in advanced disease, newer treatments have improved patient outcomes but are highly dependent upon the patient remaining fit enough to receive those treatments."
