Meeting of the Parliament 09 October 2025
Clare Adamson raises an incredibly important point about Christina McKelvie’s focus on doing the right thing. I thank her for mentioning it.
We know that one in nine women living in Scotland will develop breast cancer at some stage in their life. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in Scotland and the most common cancer to be detected in females. Importantly, due to improved detection and treatment options, survival rates have significantly increased over the past 30 years. Women are five times more likely to survive breast cancer if it is caught early. However, that does not mean that we should stop looking at new ways to work on it, such as the one that Clare Adamson just highlighted.
We know that earlier diagnosis is vital. That is why we continue to invest in our detect cancer earlier programme, which encompasses primary care, diagnostics, public education, data, innovation and screening. The programme works closely with the Scottish Cancer Coalition, including Breast Cancer Now, to support awareness-raising efforts, and uses social media channels to promote joint content and messaging where possible. Our “Be the Early Bird” campaign, which was launched in March 2023, aims to reduce the fear of cancer and to empower those with possible symptoms to act early. The campaign has been rerun several times over the past three years, specifically to target women aged 40-plus from areas of deprivation.
We are also committed to ensuring that those women who are diagnosed with breast cancer receive the best possible treatment and support. Our strategy has a range of measures that aim to benefit all those who are living with cancer, including implementation of a single point of contact to support patients throughout their journey and after discharge. It was heartening to hear about Stephen Kerr’s wife’s experience at the Beatson and throughout her treatment.
In Scotland, we are proud of our national breast cancer screening programme. All women aged 50 to 70 are invited for breast screening every three years, and women over 71 can request an appointment if it has been more than three years since their last appointment. My officials are also working with Screening Oversight and Assurance Scotland to implement the recommendations from its breast screening modernisation report, which was submitted earlier this year. The final report will be published in the coming weeks.
Christina McKelvie also championed the importance of improving data collection for metastatic breast cancer in Scotland. She shone that light, as Clare Adamson mentioned. I appreciate that that is an important issue for Breast Cancer Now and for patients including Jen and Alison, who I was so pleased to meet last Thursday on wear it pink day.
In our cancer action plan, we committed to improving data collection for metastatic cancers, and we are starting that process with breast cancer. My officials, along with colleagues in Public Health Scotland, are currently undertaking a thorough review of our options in relation to collecting data on secondary breast cancer in Scotland. As part of that work, they are considering the clinical time required and how such data can be used to improve services. My officials expect to receive advice from Public Health Scotland imminently. Following receipt of that advice, our aim is to agree the best method of data collection by 2026, which is the completion date for our cancer action plan. I note the points that Jackie Baillie made about the SMC’s deliberations, and I will take that issue away.
I reiterate my thanks to Clare Adamson and all my colleagues for their contributions today. I also thank Breast Cancer Now and all the other organisations that provide vital support to women and men living with breast cancer in Scotland. Together, we must build on the legacy of Christina McKelvie and the many other women who have lived with breast cancer.