Delivering a revolution in cancer care
- Written by: Hannah Buckingham — Macmillan Cancer Support — Senior External Affairs Adviser
- Published: 30th March 2026
Cancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May
As Scotland heads to the polls on 7th May, cancer care is at a critical moment. We are three years into a ten-year cancer strategy but have seen little change and even less delivery.
Who you are and where you live heavily influences your experience of cancer in Scotland. Too many people are still waiting too long for diagnosis and treatment and struggle to get the support they need, when and where they need it. The system is at crisis point and the pressures are growing.
The people of Scotland deserve better.
The next Scottish Government must take urgent action to deliver on the Cancer Strategy. They must be bolder and move faster to ensure everyone can access the best treatment and care.
Ahead of this crucial election Macmillan Cancer Support is calling for:
- Bold action to tackle inequities in cancer care – clear, measurable commitments to go further and faster than ever before.
- Clear steps to address unwarranted variation in treatment and care – so everyone can access the best care available.
- A revolution in cancer data and digital infrastructure – to build a health and care system that is more equitable and responsive to people’s experiences.
- Renewed commitment to delivering person-centred care – with access to emotional, physical and practical support wherever it’s needed.
We’ve heard from people living with cancer from across Scotland about the challenges they faced in accessing the support they needed, and the all too often fragmented and delayed care and treatment.
Carrol from Larbert experienced weeks of delays in her cancer treatment, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and unable to advocate for herself. It was only after contact Macmillan’s helpline that she regained her confidence and voice. Reflecting on her experience, Carrol believes no one should have to fight for basic standards of care, and that better communication and meeting cancer waiting times targets are vital to improve outcomes for people with cancer in Scotland.
You can read our manifest on our website and join our campaigners network here – Scottish Parliament Elections 2026 | Macmillan Cancer Support
End of page.
You may also like:
Learn about how the ALLIANCE has championed joined-up, person centred care.
Continue readingDementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue readingCrohn’s and Colitis care in Scotland is at a pivotal moment. Urgent action is needed to tackle delays and poor access to vital services
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Lewis Shaw reflects on the importance of rehabilitation support.
Continue readingIsabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue readingMhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh shares how she used the Centre for Public Policy Practice Fellowship to examine prevention and its barriers to implementation
Continue readingLaura from Perth and Kinross HSCP shares how we can celebrate World Social Work Day through the lens of 'What Matters To You?'.
Continue readingReflections on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education) Bill
Continue readingLouise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingAct Now for Autistic Rights calls for a transformative Bill for autistic and neurodiverse communities
Continue readingIn the next decade, the role of digital in health and social care must embed our digital human rights principles to reduce inequalities.
Continue reading