Charity said thousands more cancer cases linked to deprivation

Thousands of extra cancer cases in Scotland are linked to deprivation, according to Cancer Research UK.

 

The charity has found that around 4,900 additional cancer cases each year are linked to deprivation, which equates to 13 cases a day.

 

The charity said that those living in the poorest areas are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage when cancer can be harder to treat successfully.

 

Smoking is currently the biggest cause of cancer in Scotland and it continues to be far more common in deprived communities.  Nearly 7 per cent of cancer cases each year in Scotland are caused by excess weight, making it the second biggest risk factor and those living in deprived areas are also more likely to be obese or overweight.

 

A report by the charity found cancer death rates at 74 per cent higher in the most deprived communities than the least deprived in Scotland.

 

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said it was “unacceptable” that people from deprived areas were more likely to die from cancer.

 

She added “The Scottish government’s forthcoming cancer strategy is a key opportunity to tackle cancer inequalities.  People in Scotland need the strategy to be bold, ambitious and fully funded so no-one with cancer is disadvantaged because of where they live or due to financial pressures.

 

“Now is the time to go further and faster to ensure that beating cancer means beating cancer for everyone.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

Freephone : 0800 304 7382