Call for action on gullet cancer toll

Stewart Paterson, Political Correspondent

A CAMPAIGN to warn people about a cancer which is on the increase in Scotland has been launched by Glasgow MSP Bill Butler.

Oesophageal cancer or cancer of the gullet is predicted to rise by 64% in the next decade and is already the fifth commonest cancer among men. It killed entertainer Jimmy Logan and actor John Thaw.

Anniesland MSP Mr Butler, and cancer charity Ochre are calling for the Scottish Government to begin a new awareness campaign.

Mr Butler also wants more resources targeted at detecting and treating the cancer.

He has lodged a motion at Holyrood calling for more action on awareness and treatment.

Oesophageal cancer is more common in Scotland than the rest of the UK and is more common among men than women. The charity is emphasising the importance of early detection.

Allan Lapsley, chairman of Ochre, said: "The general public does not appear to be as aware of it as other cancers, some of which are not as common."

He added: "It can’t be stressed enough that early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer is critical for survival.

"All too often when diagnosis is eventually reached it is too late for effective treatment, which is why it is essential that the public is aware of the cancer and of its symptoms."

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