DUMBARTON and the Vale MSP Jackie Baillie has called for a two-week waiting time guarantee for people in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh suspected of having cancer.

The call comes following the publication of new statistics which show that Scots are more likely to die from cancer if they come from a poorer background.

Official figures released last week by the NHS reveal that mortality rates are almost two thirds higher in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived areas in Scotland.

Scottish Labour’s two-week waiting time guarantee, according to Ms Baillie, would ensure that patients would see a specialist and get the results within a fortnight if their GP suspects cancer.

Jackie said: "The NHS is our most valued public service and Scotland deserves a health service free at the point of use based on patient need, not the ability to pay.

"It is a scandal in 21st century Scotland that you are less likely to be diagnosed and less likely to survive cancer if you come from a poorer background.

"These new figures show that the SNP Government must put tackling inequality and poverty at the heart of their approach to fighting Scotland’s biggest killer.

"We know that the SNP Government have continually failed to meet cancer waiting times.

"The 62 day standard for urgent referrals to treatment has actually gone backwards, with the standard now not met for three years.

"The time between suspicion to diagnosis is also crucial.

"That’s why Labour has been making the case that if your doctor suspects you have cancer you should expect to see a specialist and get a diagnosis in two weeks."

Health Secretary Shona Robison would not subscribe to a 'two-week guarantee' but did say: "Prompt cancer treatment is vital – that’s why we have set rigorous standards in this area, and once a decision to treat has been agreed treatment takes place on average after six days, however we can still do more?.

"Our £100 million cancer strategy outlines our commitment to improving access to services for patients suspected of having and subsequently diagnosed with cancer over the next five years.

"This strategy will serve as a blueprint for the future of cancer care in Scotland - improving the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of those affected by the disease.

"A national review of health and social care targets is already underway, led by one of Scotland’s renowned medical experts, Sir Harry Burns.

"I would encourage everyone who has a view on how targets can improve the performance and quality of our NHS services to feed in to that review."

A statement issued from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde added: "NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde treats a significant number of cancer patients every year and sees a range of complex cases from across the West of Scotland.

"We are working hard to improve performance for our patients by increasing diagnostic and treatment capacity in a number of key specialties including urology, breast, and head and neck cancers."