Scotland in the grip of a 'cancer timebomb' as cases rocket in a decade

By MICHAEL BLACKLEY, SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL POLITICAL EDITOR Published: 19:46, 18 August 2026 | Updated: 19:48, 18 August 2026 Scotland is in the grip of a ‘cancer timebomb’ after the number of cases of killers like prostate cancer rocketed in the last decade. Official figures show 37,657 new cancers were registered in Scotland in 2024, which was 15 per cent higher than ten years ago. Over that period, the biggest increase was for prostate cancer in men, with cases soaring by 50 per cent.  In the previous 12 months alone cases increased by 6 per cent, which was linked to higher awareness due to the high-profile diagnosis of the Olympian Sir Chris Hoy. People in the most deprived areas were also 26 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer in the five years to the end of 2024. The figures sparked calls for action to tackle overall cancer rates, and for a rollout of vital prostate cancer screening to help earlier diagnosis of the most common malignancy. Professor Alan McNeill, a consultant urological surgeon and founding trustee of Prostate Scotland, said: ‘There are likely to be a number of factors behind that increase, including an ageing population and greater awareness and testing. ‘We’ve seen a significant increase in public conversation around prostate cancer, particularly as high-profile men such as Sir Chris Hoy, Kenny Logan and Kenny Macintyre have spoken openly about their diagnoses. This is encouraging more men to think about their prostate health and come forward for testing. Prostate cancer cases in Scotland increased by six per cent following the high-profile diagnosis of the Olympian Sir Chris Hoy (pictured with wife Lady Sarra)  ‘Prostate cancer can be present without any symptoms, which is why it is important that men understand their individual risk. Family history and ethnicity are important risk factors. Black men with a family history should consider testing from 40, and white men with a family history should discuss testing from 45. ‘The increase in diagnoses reinforces the importance of ensuring men have clear information and access to appropriate testing to support earlier diagnosis.’ There were 37,657 new cancers registered in Scotland in 2024, with 19,473 in males and 18,184 in females. Cases in men increased by 340 compared to the previous year, while cases in women decreased by 519. There were 4,813 more cases than a decade before in 2015, which is a 15 per cent increase. In the decade up to and including 2024, there was a 50 per cent increase in prostate cases and a 28 per cent increase in skin malignancies in men, while there were 8 per cent increases for both breast cancer and colorectal cancer in women. There was a 23 per cent decrease in lung cancer cases in men over the decade, as well as a seven per cent reduction for women. Public Health Scotland said that cancer incidence was 26 per cent higher in the most deprived areas in the period from 2020-2024, compared to 29 per cent in the period 2015-19. It said: ‘The risk of developing three of the most common cancers - prostate cancer, breast cancer and malignant melanoma of the skin - was higher in the least deprived areas of Scotland. In contrast, the risk of lung, colorectal and cervical cancer was higher in the most deprived areas.’ Scottish Conservative health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘These shocking statistics confirm Scotland is facing a ticking timebomb of cancer cases under the SNP. ‘Successive nationalist health secretaries have failed to meet their own cancer waiting time targets for well over decade and cancer rates are continuing to soar. ‘It is deeply alarming to see cases of certain cancers rise so significantly in recent years. ‘Early diagnosis is crucial but too many cancer patients are being let down by the SNP’s failure to properly support frontline services.’ Scottish Labour health spokesman Dame Jackie Baillie said: ‘These stark figures show Scotland’s shameful health inequalities continue to cost lives. ‘It is clear more must be done to tackle inequalities and prevent, identify and treat cancer in every part of Scotland. ‘From expanding screening to speeding up treatment, the SNP must ensure that every person with cancer gets the best possible standard of care.’ Peter Hastie, external affairs manager Scotland at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: ‘It’s shameful that in 2026, we’re still seeing that people living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those living in the least deprived areas. Worse still, we know someone’s experience of cancer can be made much worse simply because of who they are or where they live.’ A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Statistics show that the risk of dying from cancer in Scotland is now at the lowest rate on record for men and women, falling by 12.1 per cent over the past decade. This encouraging trend reflects earlier detection, more effective treatments, and our continued investment in cancer services. ‘The Scottish Government recognises that bowel cancers are occurring at higher rates that previously in people under the age of 50 and have submitted a proposal to the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) review bowel screening eligibility to consider offering this to younger age groups. ‘The increase in prostate cancer is due to a number of factors, including ageing population, increased demand for testing, and improvements in imaging and diagnostics. ‘While more people are being diagnosed with cancer over time due to our ageing population, incidence of some cancers – including lung, head, neck and oesophagus cancers have fallen, after a long-term drop in the levels of smoking.'