A LEADING charity has called new cancer waiting time stats "disappointing".

Cancer Research UK called on the Scottish Government for more funding after figures showed 722 out of 1,202 patients (60%) in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area managed to start treatment within the first 62 days following an urgent suspected cancer referral.   

It means 480 people waited longer than 62 days, the standard the SNP administration is targeted to.

The data relates to the first three months of 2023.

Across Scotland, the report shows that only 69 per cent started treatment within the first 62 days, well below the Scottish Government’s target of 95 per cent and the worst performance on record (since 2012).

Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, Dr Sorcha Hume, said: “It is disappointing but not unexpected to see that waiting times targets are still not being met and that people in Scotland are still waiting too long for diagnosis and treatment.

“We know how important it is to diagnose and treat cancer as quickly as possible, as the earlier a person is diagnosed with cancer, the more likely they are to have a good outcome.

“The Scottish Government’s new cancer strategy launched earlier this month reassures us that the Government is taking this seriously.

“But the strategy needs to be backed by additional funding to recruit and trained specialist staff to meet the demand for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

“This is key to meeting waiting times and ensuring the people of Scotland get the treatment and care they desperately need.”

Between January and March this year, the average waiting time for this type of referral in the NHSGGC was 54 days with the longest wait being 277 days.

Thirteen per cent began treatment in the first 20 days, 20 per cent between 21 and 41 days and 28 per cent between 42 and 62 days.

27 per cent waited 84 days or more.

It is understood that a further £10 million of non-recurring cancer waiting times funding will be made available for 2023/24 to support cancer performance. 

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “NHS Scotland remains under pressure and this is reflected in the fact that we're treating more patients on 62 and 31-day pathways than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

"There have been almost 800 additional cancer patients treated this quarter alone, compared to the same time pre-pandemic.

“Cancer remains a national priority, within the Scottish Government and across NHS Scotland, with urgent suspicion of cancer referrals continuing to be prioritised.  

"That is why we have recently announced the new 10-year Cancer Strategy which takes a comprehensive approach to improving patient pathways, from prevention and diagnosis through to treatment and post-treatment care.”