Scottish Labour has demanded urgent action to tackle Scotland’s growing national emergency in cancer care.

New data from Public Health Scotland shows that the 62 day cancer treatment target was missed again.

It means the target has not been met since 2012.

The SNP Government missed its target by 12% with just 83% of patients started treatment within the 62 day standard, compared to a target of 95%.

Disturbingly, it seems like the failure is growing, with ministers falling further behind on meeting the target compared to both the previous quarter and the previous year.

This is despite referrals being 6% below pre-pandemic levels, raising fears cases may be going unidentified.

Scottish Labour’s Health and Covid Recovery spokesperson Jackie Baillie said:

“Scotland is living through a national emergency in cancer care – and it is costing lives.

“These shameful figures are made even more shocking when you realise that the pandemic has seen referrals drop – meaning many Scots could be living with cancer and not even know it.

“The SNP claim to be dealing with the cancer crisis but the figures speak for themselves.

“These targets have not been met in over eight years, and this crisis is getting worse, not better.

“Lives are on the line and we cannot afford to waste any more time.

“It is time to take action and start treating this like the national emergency it is.”