Rise in Renfrewshire men dying from cancer "deeply concerning"

Statistics, published by Public Health Scotland, show substantial increases in male mortality rates in Renfrewshire for those with head and neck cancers, throat cancers and tumours in the lip, oral cavity and pharynx.

There is a “deeply concerning” growth in Renfrewshire men dying from certain cancers, new figures have revealed.

The statistics, published by Public Health Scotland, show substantial increases in male mortality rates for those with head and neck cancers, throat cancers and tumours in the lip, oral cavity and pharynx.

Renfrewshire cancer deaths are amongst the increased number recorded across Scotland in the past decade – despite the risk of dying from cancer having lowered.

For Renfrewshire men specifically, colorectal (bowel) cancer deaths increased by 52 per cent to 29 in 2022 (the most recent date available).

In the decade from 2012 to 2022, oropharyngeal cancer fatalities increased by 900 per cent to nine in 2022 – the largest increase of any cancer type for men in the region. Deaths due to bladder cancer also rocketed by 183 per cent and colon cancer by 175 per cent.

Paul O’Kane, Labour MSP for West Scotland, said it was “deeply concerning that the number of cancer deaths in Scotland has risen over the course of a decade”.

He also said these deaths include “an alarming increase in the number of men dying from cancer”, with a rise of five per cent between 2013 and 2022.

Mr O’Kane told the Paisley Daily Express: “This rise in cancer deaths across Scotland in the last decade is deeply concerning.

“The evident rise in deaths from particular types of cancer in men in Renfrewshire is something that requires our NHS’s urgent focus going forward.

“SNP ministers talk about acting to improve cancer waiting times but reality is that almost a third of patients referred to the NHS in Scotland are waiting longer than the 62-day target to start treatment, despite the valiant efforts of our tremendous NHS staff.

“Neil Gray has yet to come forward with a plan that addresses this glaring problem in cancer treatment.”

He added: “Diagnosing cancer at an early stage can make all the difference to whether or not treatment is successful – I would urge anyone who has persistent or unusual symptoms to see a doctor as soon as possible.”

Nationally, cancer deaths rose by 3.2 per cent from 15,764 to 16,265 between 2013 and 2022. The increase “largely reflects” an ageing population, Public Health Scotland said, and the fact that cancer is more common among older people.

The report also found that lung, bowel, breast and prostate accounted for 46 per cent of all cancer deaths in 2022.

Health secretary Mr Gray said: “It is encouraging to see the risk of dying from cancer in Scotland is at a record low. This is down to the hard work of NHS staff, improved treatment options and people reporting their symptoms at an earlier stage.”

He added: “We are determined to further improve cancer survival, reduce waiting times and provide excellent, equitably accessible care right across Scotland.”

A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde added: “If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms that are unusual for you, such as unexplained lumps, bleeding, or weight loss, it’s important to seek medical advice. In most cases, this means contacting your GP, dentist or optician.

“Early detection of cancer significantly increases the range of treatment options available and improves the chances of recovery and living well again. Our services follow national clinical guidelines and fully support the Scottish Government’s initiatives around cancer screening and early diagnosis.

“We encourage everyone to take up the offer of screening programmes when they receive their invites. The Get Checked Early website – https://getcheckedearly.org/ – includes a helpful symptom checker and information on different types of cancer.”

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