Concern over bowel cancer figures

MORE THAN 6 per cent of bowel cancer patients in Scotland died within 30 days of diagnosis, according to research in the British Journal of Cancer.

These patients were more likely to be elderly, deprived, have poor general health and more advanced cancers. Fewer breast cancer patients died within a month - just under 1.5 per cent - but those who did had many similar characteristics. Dr David Brewster, of NHS National Services Scotland, said: "Our findings are a reminder that survival after a cancer diagnosis depends on a wide range of factors, and not just the quality of treatment."

Lib Dem health spokesman Ross Finnie said: "We must rid Scotland of social inequalities and raise awareness on how important early diagnosis and treatment are for bowel cancer."