Cancer Waiting Time statistics for January to March 2008, which were published today by the Scottish Government, show that 94.1 per cent of reported urgently referred patients diagnosed with cancer in January to March 2008 began treatment within 62 days of their referral, up from 84.5 per cent in the same period last year.

Statistics on waiting times for childhood cancers and patients with acute leukaemia or breast cancer were also published today for the first time. They show all children diagnosed with cancer last year began treatment within 31 days of urgent referral and 99 per cent of patients with acute leukaemia in 2007 began their treatment within 31 days. However, of the 3,712 patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 just 83.2 per cent of breast cancer patients began treatment within 31 days. While some patients were able to begin treatment immediately, the maximum wait from diagnosis to treatment was 84 days.

Commenting on the statistics Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial for cancer patients to maximise their chances of survival.

"That's why it is encouraging that these figures show Scotland has recorded its best ever performance in cutting cancer waiting times. But we can, and must, do more.”

She said that while the figures published on childhood cancers and acute leukaemia are “particularly encouraging”, she added that “further work is clearly needed to bring down breast cancer waits.”

She continued:

"Today's figures show that we are continuing to make good progress and waiting times are continuing to fall. Health boards came very close to meeting the demanding 62-day target which has proved particularly challenging for them.

"The statistics show that boards have done well - and waiting times are coming down. But I now want boards to make one last push which will enable us not only to meet the target but to sustain that level of service. In addition, we are currently updating our cancer strategy which will be published soon."

The full statistical publication can be viewed here.