The Scottish government has launched a new health scheme that aims to save more than 300 lives every year by detecting cancers earlier than is currently managed.
The draft Detect Cancer Early Implementation Plan will aim to improve survival rates by 25% by raising awareness and screening for the three most common cancers in Scotland – breast, bowel and lung.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced the plan in March and said that the scheme will be assisted by a £30m subsidy over the four years.
The detailed of the scheme, published on Monday, include improving detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Under the plan, GPs will be urged to send more patients for referral when they present with symptoms that could suggest cancer, enabling them to begin early treatment in case they are diagnosed with the disease.
Ms Sturgeon said: “By diagnosing and detecting cancer earlier, we can treat patients when their general health is better and when less aggressive treatment may be required than if the cancer had spread. This will improve survival and reap benefits for patients, their families and all of Scotland.”
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