While preventing deaths, however, they would also lead to increases in incidence in the next decade as prevalent, and possibly non life threatening, cancers are detected in the population. Additionally, mortality may be further reduced in the next decade through improvements in treatment and changes in the organisation of services. The corresponding rates for mortality are a decrease from 284 to 260 in males and 193 to 188 in females. Other primary prevention measures and secondary prevention, in the form of population screening, also has an important role. The surgical community will continue to play a key role in the management of cancer in Scotland over the next decade, with a focus on prompt investigation and appropriate management by surgeons with a specialised interest.
Surgery offers the only hope of cure for many patients.
With the increasing numbers of patients with cancer, further radiotherapy workstations, imaging equipment and staff will be needed. Systemic treatments will become increasingly important, with recent advances in this area increasing the potential to improve survival. It is essential to increase resources in all these areas to ensure equity and high standards of care for all patients. With the increasing prevalence of cancer in an ageing population, it is likely that many more people will require the input of primary care services. Tables 3 and 4 summarise the cancer situation, and show the impact that could be made if additional changes are made in the next decade.