Risk of death from cancer falls by 12%

People in Scotland are less likely to die from cancer, with the risk falling by 12% over the past decade, according to new figures published today by Public Health Scotland (PHS). 

The new report, which provides the latest insights in cancer mortality in Scotland, highlights that there was a small increase in the number of deaths due to cancer, from 16,011 in 2015 to 16,352 in 2024. This is caused by Scotland’s ageing population, and older people are at higher risk of cancer.  

It also shows that those who die from cancer are now older than in the past.  In 2024, 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in people aged 70 and over, up from 66% in 2015. The average age at death also increased between 2000 and 2024, rising from 71 to 74 years for males, and from 72 to 74 years for females.  

Lung, colorectal (bowel), prostate, and breast cancers together accounted for 46% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer remained the leading cause, with 3,651 deaths in 2024, making up 22% of all cancer deaths. Most lung cancer deaths could be avoided by eliminating smoking. 

Professor David Morrison, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland, said: 

"Cancer remains the most common cause of death in Scotland, but the risk has been falling over time.  Deaths from lung cancer have fallen by a quarter over the past 10 years, and oesophageal and bladder cancer deaths have also gone down.  We can see the huge benefits of fewer people smoking and more successful treatment of cancer in these latest figures.   

“Among women, the chances of dying from breast cancer have fallen by 11% over the last decade.  Breast screening picks up cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage and new treatment options have become available.   

“I would encourage anyone invited for cancer screening or offered HPV vaccination to take up the offers.”  

Reducing harm from tobacco by creating a smoke-free generation remains a priority for PHS, particularly given lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in Scotland.  This, together with reducing harm from alcohol, drugs and unhealthy foods, is one of the key actions outlined in our ten-year strategy, also published today, which sets out how we will work to improve Scotland's health outcomes.  

A second cancer-focussed report published by PHS today, the Place of Death from Cancer in Scotland report, examines the place of death for people who died from cancer between 2015 and 2024. 

Of the 49,474 cancer deaths in Scotland during 2015–2024, 39% occurred in NHS hospitals, 37% occurred at home or a private address and 15% occurred in hospices. 

The Cancer Mortality in Scotland Annual Update 2024 report can be read here: Cancer mortality in Scotland - Annual update to 2024 - Cancer mortality - Publications - Public Health Scotland

The Place of Death From Cancer in Scotland 2015 – 2024 report can be read here:  Place of Death from Cancer in Scotland - 2015-2024 - Place of death from cancer in Scotland - Publications - Public Health Scotland

Information on cancer screening available for free through the NHS in Scotland can be found at:  Introduction to screening in Scotland | NHS inform 

More information on identifying, treating and managing cancers can be found on NHS Inform: Cancer | NHS inform 

Last year, we published a joint blog by Consultants in Public Health Medicine, Professor David Morrison, Director of the Scottish Cancer Registry and Dr Fatim Lakha, exploring the seemingly paradoxical good news within Scotland’s rising cancer statistics – and what it means for our future health and care system. 

Find out more about PHS’s ten-year strategy: Strategic vision - Together we can: our 10-year strategy to 2035 - What we do and how we work - About us - Public Health Scotland