Scotland’s cancer care system is teetering on the brink of collapse, prompting urgent calls from medical leaders for a UK-wide response and radical reform. Writing in The Lancet Oncology, a group of prominent cancer experts warned the current approach was “at a critical breaking point” and singled out artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential tool to alleviate strain.
‘Deepening financial pressures’ across UK nations
The article, co-authored by Professor Mark Lawler of Queen’s University Belfast, argues that both Westminster and Holyrood must work together on a coherent, resourced cancer strategy. Speaking to The Scotsman, Professor Lawler said the problems faced in Scotland mirrored those in England—citing widespread failures to meet the 62-day referral-to-treatment standard.
“Unfortunately, the four nations of the UK are near the bottom of the international league table when it comes to consistency in cancer policy,” Lawler said. “That has real consequences. We’re not delivering a structured, sensibly-resourced approach to cancer care.”
He added that despite devolution, collaboration was both possible and essential.
AI seen as key to cutting waiting lists
The authors proposed that advanced technologies, particularly AI, could play a pivotal role in slashing waiting times and identifying bottlenecks.
“AI can help streamline diagnostics, manage triage queues more effectively, and predict treatment needs. The infrastructure exists—we need the political will to implement it.”
Delays in treatment are a growing concern across all UK nations, but in Scotland they have become especially acute. The latest NHS Scotland figures show performance against the 62-day standard continues to fall short, despite repeated government pledges to improve.
‘Denmark shows it can be done’
Lawler pointed to Denmark as a model for transformation. Two decades ago, Denmark had among the worst cancer outcomes in Europe. In response, it elevated cancer to the top of its national health agenda, investing heavily in diagnostics, radiotherapy, and surgery. It now ranks among the best for consistency in cancer strategy.
“They weren’t performing well, but they acted decisively. They unified their system, set a clear direction, and delivered,” Lawler said. “That’s the kind of leadership we need now in the UK.”
Scotland’s strengths—and blind spots
Despite its challenges, Lawler acknowledged that Scotland had developed strong performance in some cancer treatment areas. However, he warned that no part of the UK was immune to system-wide pressures.
“Everyone is good at something. Scotland has centres of excellence in care and treatment. But the issue is systemic. What we need is to bring all the best bits together, across the UK, and make them work collectively.”
The article does not lay sole blame at Scotland’s door, but its publication comes amid growing criticism of NHS Scotland’s leadership and the SNP’s handling of health services. With cancer rates projected to rise and demographic pressures mounting, the need for reform has become urgent.
Calls for a unified national cancer plan
At the heart of the authors’ argument is a plea for cross-government coordination—despite health being a devolved matter.
“This is not about power struggles. It’s about saving lives. Health devolution should not preclude working together,” Lawler said.
The intervention adds weight to existing calls for a UK-wide cancer mission. Several medical charities and Royal Colleges have argued in recent months that the patchwork of cancer services across Britain is leading to inequality in access and outcomes.
Meanwhile, patients in Scotland continue to report long delays and limited treatment options—particularly outside of the central belt.
