A quarter of all breast, bowel and lung cancers in Tayside and Fife are now diagnosed early thanks to a campaign fronted by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Detect Cancer Early (DCE) awareness programme has yielded amazing results, with 24.3% of the three cancers diagnosed at the earliest stages in 2012 and 2013.
With the backing of the former Manchester United manager and the likes of actress Elaine C Smith, the initiative has helped people understand the early signs of cancer.
Now celebrating its third anniversary, the Scotland-wide scheme has made significant achievements since its launch, including:An 80.6% rise in the average number of replacement bowel screening kits requested each month On average, 4,300 kits returned each month A total of 50% more women visiting their GP with breast cancer concerns following the Lumps Aren’t the Only Sign campaign in 2012The contribution of NHS Tayside and Fife to its success has been acknowledged.
In Tayside it includes improvements to gastroenterology services and primary care response. It has also led to the employment of an extra consultant surgeon and more radiologist sessions specialising in breast surgery, as well as diagnostics to meet a rise in demand for new breast outpatient appointments.
In Fife, the programme has provided funding for a health promotion officer.
Medical director at NHS Tayside’s operational unit, Dr Alan Cook, said: “It’s essential we continue to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in increasing the number of Scots who survive cancer.”
Dr Brian Montgomery, the acting chief executive of NHS Fife, added: “The message is clear if you or someone close to you has concerns, don’t get scared, get checked.”
To mark the anniversary, Dundee MSP and Health Secretary Shona Robison announced a new simplified bowel screening test which will be introduced over the coming two years.
A further £9 million has been committed to the programme in the coming year.
Ms Robison said: “It will be a while before we can see the full impact of the programme but we’re starting to see positive results emerge.
“We’ve also seen an important shift change in the attitudes Scots have towards the disease, with more people recognising the benefits of early detection and value of screening.”