Understanding the Importance of Access to Breast Cancer Treatment

That the Parliament understands the challenges surrounding access to breast cancer treatment in many parts of rural Scotland and the detrimental impact on wellbeing and support for patients; recognises that 102 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every week on average, with the projected number of women living with the condition reportedly set to rise from 81,000 in 2025 to 118,000 in 2045; further recognises that Breast Cancer Now estimates that this will cost the economy up to £2.1 billion over the coming years; notes that a Breast Cancer Now briefing reported that data specifically on metastatic breast cancer is not routinely collected or properly shared across NHS boards, leading to problems with patients accessing treatment in different parts of the country; calls on the Scottish Government to include within its next Cancer Action Plan a sustainable commitment to fund and administer the collection of metastatic breast cancer data to improve patient care, and believes that the Scottish Government must commit broadly to bring forward and fund a concrete plan for breast cancer services and ensure the best possible care and support for all those affected.