Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Making cancer a top priority in Scotland and Wales: our call to action ahead of the 2026 elections
Today, we’re proud to launch our Longer, Better Lives manifestos for Scotland and Walesahead of the national elections in May 2026. Through these manifestos we are calling on all political parties to make bold, ambitious commitments to transform cancer outcomes in both nations.
Over the past 50 years, we’ve made significant progress in tackling cancer – since the 1970s, cancer death rates have fallen by around 17% in Scotland and 16% in Wales. This progress is a result of sustained investment in research, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Yet, cancer remains the defining health challenge of our time. As our populations grow and age, the number of people diagnosed with cancer will continue to rise. Despite advances, there is much more to do.
Crucially, the impact of cancer is not shared equally. In Wales, cancer death rates are nearly 48% higher for people living in the most deprived areas compared to the least. In Scotland, the gap is even wider – 80% higher. These disparities are stark and unacceptable.
With elections on the horizon, we have a critical opportunity to influence change. Our manifestos set out clear, evidence-based recommendations tailored to the distinct health and cancer contexts of each nation. At their heart is a shared ambition: to reduce cancer death rates by 15% by 2040. Achieving this would mean saving around 5,500 lives in Wales and around 10,100 lives in Scotland.
We’re calling for commitments to:
- support world class cancer research,
- meet cancer waiting times and take urgent action to prevent cancer, diagnose it earlier and provide faster access to kinder, better treatments
- build a stable and skilled health workforce empowered to adopt innovation quickly
- ensure access to essential equipment, tools and technologies.
We will continue to work with policymakers, health systems, and communities to drive forward this change. We will also hold future governments to account to ensure these commitments are delivered, so that people affected by cancer receive the care and support they need.
Whether you live in Scotland, Wales, or elsewhere in the UK, you can support this campaign by sharing our manifestos and. engaging with your local political representatives. And if you live in Scotland or Wales add your name hereto our call for all political parties to make cancer a top priority at the next election.
Looking ahead, we’ll also launch a manifesto for Northern Ireland ahead of the 2027 elections. This is part of our unwavering commitment to a future where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Together, we can build a world where fewer people are diagnosed with cancer, more people survive it, and everyone affected receives the care and support they deserve. Change is possible — and with bold action, it’s within our reach.”
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