Livingston MP calls for action on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in NHS Lothian
Gregor Poynton MP has called on the Scottish Government to set out how it will improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, after figures highlighted continuing gaps in waiting-time performance and access to screening across NHS Lothian.
The figures, featured in Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink 2026 constituency factsheet, show that 812 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in NHS Lothian in 2024, while 121 people died from the disease.
The statistics also shows that, in the first quarter of 2026/27, just 79.7% of breast cancer patients in NHS Lothian started treatment within 62 days of an urgent GP referral, below the Scottish national target of 95%.
Across all newly diagnosed primary cancers in NHS Lothian, 87.1% of patients started treatment within 31 days of the decision to treat, also below the 95% national target.
The figures additionally highlights inequalities in breast screening attendance. Figures for 2020/23 show that 58.5% of women in the most deprived quintile of NHS Lothian attended screening when invited, compared with 80.5% in the least deprived quintile. These screening figures are currently under review.
Gregor Poynton MP said:
“Behind every statistic is a person and a family whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. They deserve timely diagnosis, access to screening and the best possible treatment and care.
“After 19 years of SNP government in Scotland, patients should not still be facing significant gaps in cancer waiting-time performance. When NHS Lothian is falling short of national standards, the SNP Scottish Government must explain what it is doing to put that right.
“The screening figures also highlight a serious inequality. Women in our most deprived communities are much less likely to attend screening than those in the least deprived areas. We need to understand the barriers people face and take practical action to close that gap.
“Breast Cancer Now is doing vital work through research, support and campaigning. But charities should not have to keep highlighting these problems without seeing the progress patients need.
“I want to see a clear plan from the SNP Scottish Government to improve early diagnosis, get more patients treated on time and ensure that access to screening does not depend on where someone lives or their financial circumstances.
“Breast cancer affects families across the Livingston constituency and the wider NHS Lothian area. Patients deserve better, and I will continue pressing for action.”