Hansard

Having lost a much-loved family member to aggressive liver cancer at the start of the year, just as he entered his 60s, I thank Marie McNair for securing this debate. She has my strong support as we recognise October 2025 as liver cancer awareness month and, in particular, as we shine a light on cholangiocarcinoma, which is the second most common primary liver cancer worldwide. Cholangiocarcinoma, or CCA, is a condition that far too many people have never heard of—how many people in here ever think of their bile duct?—yet its impact on those who are diagnosed and on their families is absolutely devastating.

As we have heard, one of the greatest challenges with CCA is that it tends to hide in plain sight. In its early stages, it rarely presents with clear or specific symptoms. People might experience fatigue, nausea or a loss of appetite—symptoms that could easily be mistaken for minor or unrelated conditions. As a result, by the time that most people receive a diagnosis, the cancer has already progressed to a stage at which treatment options are limited. That delay in diagnosis contributes to what is, tragically, one of the poorest survival rates of any cancer. It is for precisely that reason that raising awareness among the public and healthcare professionals is so critical.

I, too, want to take a moment to recognise the incredible work that is being done by AMMF, which is the UK’s only charity that is dedicated solely to CCA. AMMF provides vital information and support to patients and their loved ones, funds groundbreaking research and works tirelessly to ensure that CCA is no longer a cancer that slips under the radar. Its commitment is nothing short of inspiring, and I know that colleagues across the chamber will join me in thanking it for everything that it does.

Although CCA is most common in people over the age of 60, it is deeply concerning that we are now seeing an increase in cases among younger people. The reasons for that trend are rightly and urgently being investigated, but it reminds us that cancer does not discriminate by age, background or lifestyle. We must ensure that awareness-raising campaigns, screening tools and support networks reflect that reality.

Early detection saves lives. That is the case for many cancers. For CCA, of which early symptoms are so subtle, our best opportunity lies in science, research, innovation and access to genomic testing. In 2023, NHS Scotland approved a comprehensive genomic testing programme, which is a decision that represents a major step forward in cancer care. If fully implemented, the programme could identify more than four in five of the potentially treatable gene faults in CCA patients. That is not just a statistic; it is hope. It is the hope that personalised medicine—the ability to tailor treatment to the individual genetic make-up of a tumour—can offer people more time, better quality of life and a genuine chance at recovery. I urge the Scottish Government and NHS boards to continue to prioritise the roll-out of the programme and ensure equitable access for all patients across Scotland, regardless of postcode or circumstance.

However, we cannot leave it to science alone. We must work hand in hand with charities, researchers, clinicians and, most important, people with lived experience. Charities such as AMMF, Cancer Research UK and the British Liver Trust play an essential role in not only funding research but breaking down the stigma and the silence that can so often surround liver diseases. Their campaigns throughout liver cancer awareness month bring colour, compassion and community to an issue that can otherwise feel isolating and bleak. As a family, we know how stigma can affect individuals who deal with such cancers.

Awareness is not a small thing. It is the first step towards earlier diagnosis, fairer treatment and better outcomes. We must do all that we can to ensure that people recognise the early warning signs, that general practitioners and other clinicians have the tools and training that they need to spot CCA sooner, and that CCA’s effects are met with understanding and support instead of confusion and delay.

Finally, as we mark liver cancer awareness month, let us recommit ourselves collectively to shining a light on this rare—although, as we heard from Marie McNair, not as rare as it once was—and often misunderstood disease. We need to back the charities, the scientists and the families who refuse to give up. Let us ensure that no one in Scotland faces CCA in silence or without hope.