Fewer bowel cancer cases in Scotland detected due to pandemic

Public Health Scotland have published the latest cancer incidence stats showing fewer people were diagnosed with cancer, mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The figures show a 9% drop in the number of cancers diagnosed in 2019 compared to 2020. Bowel cancer saw a 19% drop in new cases diagnosed – one of the biggest drops of any type of cancer. This is the lowest number of bowel cancer cases since these records began in 1996.

The bowel screening programme was paused due to the pandemic which led to a 33% drop in early stage detection.

Gerard McMahon, Head of External Affairs (Devolved Nations) for Bowel Cancer UK said: “The figures released by Public Health Scotland are shocking and show the very real impact COVID-19 has had on the diagnosis and early detection of cancer.

Early diagnosis is vital - bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer but this drops significantly as the disease develops.

NHS Scotland staff have worked incredibly hard to deliver cancer services under great strain but they need the support of the Scottish Government to urgently deal with the staff and equipment capacity issues. The Government have now launched the consultation for their new cancer strategy which needs to address the recovery of services following the pandemic and also improve services to increase early diagnosis.”