Scotland cancer care delays linked to specialist shortages

A severe shortage of specialist doctors is causing extremely dangerous delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment across Scotland, with patients' conditions worsening as a result, according to a new report from the Royal College of Radiologists. The findings, published on June 18, 2026, reveal that for the first time, six in ten radiology and cancer centre leaders in Scotland report seeing patients deteriorate due to staff shortfalls.

The RCR's latest workforce data shows Scotland's National Health Service is operating with 28 percent fewer radiologists and 18 percent fewer clinical oncologists than required to meet current demand. The problem is most acute in the north and east of the country. The report warns that without urgent action, these shortfalls are projected to grow to 37 percent and 58 percent respectively by 2030, as an estimated 158,000 more people are expected to be living with cancer in Scotland by 2045.

The consequences are stark. Scottish government data from 2025 shows almost 100,000 people waited over six weeks for a scan or diagnostic test. Only 71 percent of patients started cancer treatment within the 62-day target, far below the goal of 95 percent. The RCR...