COUNCIL election candidates in East Renfrewshire have been urged to make support services for cancer patients a priority if they are elected in the May 4 vote.

Macmillan Cancer Support made the call as new statistics released by ISD Scotland show that 6,851 people in Greater Glasgow and Clyde were diagnosed with cancer in 2015.

The charity says the figures are a stark reminder of the number of people living with cancer and the challenges facing the health and social care system.

Its bosses want those standing for election to make sure they understand the vital role councils have to play in supporting people with cancer, especially through health and social care partnerships.

Janice Preston, Macmillan’s head in Scotland, said: “Cancer is often seen as a problem that hospitals deal with. However, cancer can affect every aspect of a person’s life.

“We also want every local authority to make sure they have a long-term plan that sets out how they’ll support local people with cancer to get coordinated support, working closely with the NHS via the new health and social care partnerships.

“The new councillors who are elected on May 4 all have a role to play in making sure joined up support for people with cancer is a key priority in the coming years and we hope they’ll pledge their support.”

Previous research from Macmillan found many people with cancer need help to cope with the emotional, practical and financial problems caused by the illness.

Macmillan is working with councils across Scotland to put in place support services to tackle these issues including benefits advice and emotional support in libraries. The charity is also funding services within councils that assess all the needs of people with cancer before helping them access coordinated care.