The risk of dying from cancer in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since records began.
New figures from Public Health Scotland show that between 2013 and 2022, cancer mortality rates dropped by over 11 percent, falling from 333.7 deaths per 100,000 people in 2013 to 296.8 in 2022.
This is the lowest risk of cancer death recorded in Scotland since comparable records began in 1998.
While the overall number of cancer deaths remains high, with 16,265 deaths recorded in 2022, the data shows clear progress in terms of early detection, treatment, and survival.
Of those deaths, 8,453 were in men and 7,812 in women.
More than two-thirds of all cancer deaths 69 percent were in people aged 70 and over.
The drop in mortality risk is a result of multiple factors working together.
These include advances in treatment, quicker access to diagnostic services, and a growing public awareness of the importance of spotting symptoms early.
Health Secretary Neil Gray welcomed the figures, while emphasising that more progress is still needed.
“It is encouraging to see the risk of dying from cancer in Scotland is at a record low,” he said.
“This is down to the hard work of NHS staff, improved treatment options, and people reporting their symptoms at an earlier stage.
“We are determined to further improve cancer survival, reduce waiting times and provide excellent, equitably accessible care right across Scotland.”
Mr Gray pointed to specific actions the Scottish Government is taking to improve outcomes.
These include expanding Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Services and investing more than £14 million in cancer waiting time improvements this year alone.
He also highlighted the connection between cancer and wider health inequalities, particularly in relation to lung cancer in deprived areas.
“Reducing health inequalities is a clear ambition for this government,” he said.
“Cutting smoking rates is key to tackling lung cancer incidence in areas of deprivation.
“Our world-leading tobacco control measures are helping us in our goal of a Tobacco-Free Scotland by 2034.”
While Scotland’s population continues to age and more people are now living with cancer, the trend in mortality risk points to steady and meaningful progress in care.
Cancer remains one of Scotland’s leading causes of death, but today’s figures show that outcomes are improving and that the work of healthcare professionals and the courage of patients are making a real difference.
