Cancer deaths in Scotland have fallen but much remains to lower mortality

Public Health Scotland reports a 12% fall in the risk of dying from cancer over the past decade, though total cancer deaths rose slightly from 16,011 in 2015 to 16,352 in 2024 as the population aged.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has reported a decline in the risk of death from cancer over the past ten years while also publishing a second report on where cancer deaths occur. The main mortality report covers cancer deaths from 2015 to 2024 and notes a 12% reduction in risk. PHS and other organisations said improvements reflect earlier detection, better treatments and falling smoking rates, but an ageing population has led to a small rise in total deaths. Charities and the Scottish Government responded with calls for continued focus on prevention, treatment access and workforce capacity. Key facts: - PHS reports the risk of dying from cancer fell by 12% over the last decade, while total cancer deaths rose from 16,011 in 2015 to 16,352 in 2024. - In 2024, 70% of cancer deaths were in people aged 70 or older; the average age at death rose between 2020 and 2024 from 71 to 74 for men and from 72 to 74 for women. - A second PHS report covering 2022–24 found 39% of cancer deaths occurred in NHS hospitals, 37% at home or a private address, and 15% in hospices. - Lung, bowel, prostate and breast cancers made up 46% of cancer deaths; lung cancer was the leading cause at 22% of deaths, and PHS said most lung cancer deaths could be avoided by eliminating smoking. - PHS noted falls in deaths from lung cancer (down by about a quarter over ten years), oesophageal and bladder cancer, and an 11% reduction in the chance of women dying from breast cancer over the decade. - Cancer Research UK welcomed the decline but called for the next Scottish government to deliver the 10-year cancer strategy and aim to reduce cancer death rates by 15% by 2040. Summary: The reports show a measurable reduction in the risk of dying from cancer alongside a slight rise in total deaths driven by an older population. Authorities and charities say the trend reflects better detection and treatment but emphasise the need for ongoing action on prevention, service capacity and early diagnosis; further policy and delivery steps were described but detailed timelines were not included in the reports.