Covid has hit lung cancer detection rate
NHS Lanarkshire is urging residents over 40 to act if they have lung cancer symptoms.
The local health board is encouraging people who have tested negative for COVID-19, but have a persistent new or different cough for three weeks or more, to seek medical advice.
National statistics, released as part of the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early campaign, show around 25 per cent fewer lung cancers are being diagnosed now, compared to pre-COVID-19.
The NHS board highlighted that those aged 40 and over should not put off contacting their GP practice if they have any possible cancer symptoms.
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in Scotland, with around 5,000 people diagnosed each year.
However, more can be done to treat the disease if it’s found at an early stage – and recently published cancer survival statistics show improvements in five-year survival rates for both men and women (2.3 per cent and 5.1 percent respectively).
Dr Jennifer Gibson, Macmillan GP facilitator for cancer and palliative care, NHS Lanarkshire said:“In Scotland, lung cancer is the most common cancer. The earlier it is diagnosed the better, as treatment is more successful at earlier stages. Not everyone with a cough has cancer, but a persistent or changing cough may need checked out.
“If you are aged over 40 and have a persistent new cough, or a change in your usual cough, lasting three weeks or more, and especially if you have tested negative for Covid-19, contact your GP practice.
“GP practices are working differently at the moment because of the Covid-19 pandemic so it is likely that you will speak to a healthcare professional by phone in the first instance, and they will organise further tests for you if needed.”
For more information, visit getcheckedearly.org.
Public hearings of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry are set to continue later this month.
Lady Smith, chairwoman of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), has announced public hearings examining the abuse of children in boarding schools will start on March 16.
Phase one of the evidence will hear from representatives of inspection and regulatory bodies as well as individual boarding schools. This phase of evidence is expected to conclude in early April.
Subject to ongoing public health guidance and physical distancing measures, hearings will take place at the inquiry’s hearing venue at Rosebery House in Edinburgh. Evidence is likely to be taken both from witnesses in person, as well as remotely via video link.
Due to government COVID restrictions which are currently in place, members of the public will not be able to attend this phase of hearings.
The inquiry’s witness support team continues to operate the Talk to Us phone line and support applicants and other witnesses throughout this challenging time.
The inquiry’s Talk to Us phone lines will operate Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm until further notice.
Individuals can contact the inquiry’s witness support team by phone on 0800 0929 300, or by email at talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot. BSL users can contact the Inquiry through an online sign interpreter.
Further updates will also be provided on the inquiry website: www.childabuseinquiry.scot and via Twitter, @ScottishCAI
Rutherglen’s MSP, Clare Haughey has represented the area since her election in 2016.
In September 2015 the SNP branch selected Clare as the candidate for the Rutherglen constituency, ahead of the 2016 Scottish Parliament election.
The constituency had been held by Labour since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 until the election in May 2016, when Haughey defeated the incumbent James Kelly. Born and raised in Rutherglen, Clare is a mental health nurse with more than 30 years’ experience.
For the past 15 years, she has specialised in perinatal mental health and helped set up Scotland’s first Mother and Baby Unit in Glasgow in 2004 as clinical nurse manager.
In June 2018, Haughey was appointed as the Scottish Government’s Minister for Mental Health.
Born and raised in Rutherglen, Clare is a mental health nurse with more than 30 years’ experience