Hansard

I thank Clare Adamson for bringing this members’ business debate to the chamber.

It is important that we raise awareness of all cancers and not try to hide the subject under the carpet, as we did in the past when we talked about “the big C”. It was as though, if we did not mention it, it might go away.

Sadly, that is most definitely not the case when it comes to pancreatic cancer, which, as we have heard, is one of the six less survivable cancers. In Scotland we need urgent action leading to earlier and faster diagnosis, faster pathways and greater investment in research. It goes without saying that the work of the less survivable cancers task force has been nothing short of remarkable and should be commended.

As we know, the less survivable cancers are cancers of the lung, liver, brain, oesophagus, pancreas and stomach. Annually, 9,000 people are diagnosed with a less survivable cancer in Scotland, and, tragically, some of them face only a 16 per cent chance of surviving for five years.

What is encouraging is that Scotland is starting to lead the way in tackling such cancers, although we can never become complacent in this battle. Considerably more needs to be done to identify them, and that should be a strategic priority in the 10-year cancer strategy. As has been mentioned, we need earlier and faster diagnosis, as that will lead to patients being treated much more quickly.

We as MSPs must raise awareness of less survivable cancers not just during awareness week, which runs from 13 to 17 January, or on world pancreatic cancer day on 21 November, when we will all once again wear purple. We must do so whenever possible, as on this occasion.

The current key area of concern is making progress on improving pathways for people with pancreatic and liver cancer. Unfortunately, half of those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Scotland die within three months. The figures make grim reading. Every year, 880 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with 810 of them likely to die.

Sadly, the survival rate is not great, with only almost three in 10 people surviving for a year or more. Late diagnosis is a common and hugely important factor that influences the long-term outcome. Identification of the cancer at an advanced stage, as happens in the majority of cases, means that the number of treatment options and people’s survival chances are reduced.

The Scottish care and co-ordination service for hepatobiliary pancreatic cancers provides a very important solution to improving outcomes for people with liver and pancreatic cancer. We can take some comfort in the knowledge that Scotland is leading the way in delivering and supporting expedited diagnostic pathways that will improve outcomes for those cancer emergencies.

There is also much-improved communication in relation to the speed with which GPs inform patients. They get informed after as little as one day—down from 31 days—with treatment pathways shortened by an average of 37 per cent. Specifically, the time for GP communication for pancreatic cancer is down 75 per cent, from eight days to two.

The task force is now urging us to support the Scottish HPB cancer service as a national initiative, instead of reverting to a regional model that, historically, has been less effective. I certainly do not want people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Dumfries and Galloway being pointed to a palliative care solution rather than an operative solution because of the financial implications, while a patient in Edinburgh might be treated completely differently.

Equity of access is, of course, the key reason for a national approach. A national model will ensure uniform care across all regions; help to reduce the health inequalities that affect many people who live in rural areas; and improve cancer outcomes throughout Scotland. A single well-supported national team will be more sustainable than roles being replicated across regions; after all, a shift to regional delivery runs the risk of inadequate staffing and might lead to service gaps.

As we are aware, Scotland has faced record long cancer waiting times, about which the SNP Government should hang—and has hung—its head in shame, and I hope that the co-ordinated pathway proves to be a step towards addressing those delays. The nationwide roll-out of the Scottish HPB pathway is vital to guaranteeing waiting times and equality of access to care for patients with liver and pancreatic cancer, and will signal what should be the Scottish Government’s commitment to high-quality accessible cancer care for all.

We should also welcome the advice of experts and whole-heartedly provide them with the support and financial investment necessary to give people a fighting chance against this cancer.

My contribution to the pancreatic cancer debate has largely featured facts and figures, but that does not change the fact that we must put friends and family at the centre of our thoughts. I have committed to contributing to the debate on pancreatic cancer every time that it is brought to the chamber, in memory of my good friends, Mark Caygill and Peter Murray Usher, who were taken far too quickly by pancreatic cancer and are dearly missed.