The lives of cancer sufferers are being put at risk as the Scottish Government fails to meet treatment time targets, says MSP Jackie Baillie.

NHS boards failed again to meet the Scottish Government’s 62 day target, which demands newly-diagnosed cancer patients wait no longer than 62 days to begin treatment from urgent suspicion of cancer referral.

A new report by Public Health Scotland has revealed that in the quarter ending 30 June 2024, NHS Scotland missed its 62-day cancer treatment standard again, with just 73.2 per cent of patients starting treatment on time.

Every single Health Board in Scotland missed the 62-day standard this quarter, and it has not been met nationwide since 2012.

The 62-day standard states that 95 per cent of eligible patients should wait no longer than 62 days from urgent suspicion of cancer referral to first cancer treatment.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde was one of 13 health boards, which did meet the 31 day standard, which sees treatment begin within that timeframe for all newly-diagnosed primary cancers, regardless of referral route.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had previously been one of five boards who missed the 31 day target.

Commenting, Jackie Baillie said “Cancer remains Scotland’s biggest killer, but key targets are still being missed.

“Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial so it is nothing short of a national scandal that the Scottish Government has not met its 62-day cancer treatment standard in over a decade.

“Fantastic NHS staff are working tirelessly to deliver the standard of treatment patients deserve, but long waits are putting lives on the line.

“The SNP must wake up to the crisis it has presided over and take urgent action to ensure cancer patients get the swift treatment they need.”