by Bill Heaney
People in Scotland are less likely to die from cancer, with the risk falling by 12% over the past decade, according to new figures published today by Public Health Scotland.
The new report, which provides the latest insights in cancer mortality in Scotland, highlights that there was a small increase in the number of deaths due to cancer, from 16,011 in 2015 to 16,352 in 2024. This is caused by Scotland’s ageing population, and older people are at higher risk of cancer.
It also shows that those who die from cancer are now older than in the past. In 2024, 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in people aged 70 and over, up from 66% in 2015. The average age at death also increased between 2000 and 2024, rising from 71 to 74 years for males, and from 72 to 74 years for females.
Lung, colorectal (bowel), prostate, and breast cancers together accounted for 46% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer remained the leading cause, with 3,651 deaths in 2024, making up 22% of all cancer deaths. Most lung cancer deaths could be avoided by eliminating smoking.
Professor David Morrison, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland, said: “Cancer remains the most common cause of death in Scotland, but the risk has been falling over time. Deaths from lung cancer have fallen by a quarter over the past 10 years, and oesophageal and bladder cancer deaths have also gone down. We can see the huge benefits of fewer people smoking and more successful treatment of cancer in these latest figures.
“Among women, the chances of dying from breast cancer have fallen by 11% over the last decade. Breast screening picks up cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage and new treatment options have become available.
“I would encourage anyone invited for cancer screening or offered HPV vaccination to take up the offers.”
Reducing harm from tobacco by creating a smoke-free generation remains a priority for PHS, particularly given lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in Scotland.
This, together with reducing harm from alcohol, drugs and unhealthy foods, is one of the key actions outlined in our ten-year strategy, also published today, which sets out how we will work to improve Scotland’s health outcomes.
A second cancer-focussed report published by PHS today, the Place of Death from Cancer in Scotland report, examines the place of death for people who died from cancer between 2015 and 2024.
Of the 49,474 cancer deaths in Scotland during 2015–2024, 39% occurred in NHS hospitals, 37% occurred at home or a private address and 15% occurred in hospices.
The Cancer Mortality in Scotland Annual Update 2024 report can be read here: Cancer mortality in Scotland – Annual update to 2024 – Cancer mortality – Publications – Public Health Scotland
The Place of Death From Cancer in Scotland 2015 – 2024 report can be read here: Place of Death from Cancer in Scotland – 2015-2024 – Place of death from cancer in Scotland – Publications – Public Health Scotland
Information on cancer screening available for free through the NHS in Scotland can be found at: Introduction to screening in Scotland | NHS inform
More information on identifying, treating and managing cancers can be found on NHS Inform: Cancer | NHS inform
Last year, we published a joint blog by Consultants in Public Health Medicine, Professor David Morrison, Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry and Dr Fatim Lakha, exploring the seemingly paradoxical good news within Scotland’s rising cancer statistics – and what it means for our future health and care system.
Find out more about PHS’s ten-year strategy: Strategic vision – Together we can: our 10-year strategy to 2035 – What we do and how we work – About us – Public Health Scotland
Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie, left, said: “The risk of dying from cancer in Scotland may have decreased but, with the overall number of deaths rising, SNP ministers must wake up to the harrowing inequalities in cancer care and broken treatment targets across Scotland. -
In 2024 the European Age Standardised Rate (EASR), or risk of dying from cancer in Scotland, decreased by 12.1% compared to 2015 (from 328.5 to 288.9 per 100,000 population respectively).
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However, despite this reduction, the number of deaths due to cancer has increased by 2.1% (to 16,352 from 16,011 in 2015). This largely reflects an increase in the proportion of older age groups within the population, and the fact that cancer is more common among older people.
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In 2024, two-thirds (70%) of all cancer deaths occurred in people aged seventy and over, an increase from 66% in 2015.
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The average age at death increased between 2000 and 2024, rising from 70.9 to 74.4 years for males, and from 72.4 to 74.2 for females. This shift reflects changes towards types of cancers that are diagnosed at older ages, and better survival as a result of earlier cancer detection, more effective treatment and improvements in overall life expectancy.
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Lung, colorectal (bowel), prostate and breast cancers together account for 46% of all cancer deaths in Scotland.
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Lung cancer remained the most common cause of cancer death overall; 3,651 in 2024 (EASR of 62.8 per 100,000 population, accounting for a fifth (22.3%) of all cancer deaths in Scotland. Most of these could be avoided by eliminating smoking.
Cancer deaths across Scotland may be declining but what about the level of cancer deaths in our own backyard.
Previous statistics have revealed that in parts of Dumbarton and the Vale the life expectancy can be something like 17 years less than some areas in Scotland and in other areas in England. Moreoever the cancer prevalence also reflects a grim tale. That of course is comparing worst with best. But some of our areas mortality rates are third world.
Clearly smoking, drinking and poor lifestyle behaviours play a huge part in the early mortality but Dumbarton and the Vale have the added issue of toxic waste pollution. The death of all of the fish in the watercourses around the circa 10 million ton landfill at Auchecarroch is an example of that. But its not just Auchcarroch that’s leaking toxin into the environment. Much asbestos and other toxic waste hs been dumped all round the area. Indeed, Dumbarton and environs have levels of pollution that areas like nearby Bearden or Milngavie don’t have.
And so, the Ya-Boo politic about numbers of this, that, and the next thing is good political knock about. But that’s not what we want. and maybe, just maybe, the politicians, all of them could focus on the dreadful statistics in our own backyard.
Anyway it will all be so much better when we get Reform and Nigel Farage gets his way and privatises the NHS in favour of USA style corporate health plans. Indeed, when privatised that will allow folks to buy all the healthcare they need.
And if they don’t have the money, like around a hundred million Americans well that’s their fault for not working hard enough and saving their money. Or am I missing something?