Concerns have been raised over a “postcode lottery” affecting prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Labour MSP Neil Bibby, who represents the local area as part of his West Scotland remit, has slammed the Scottish Government’s record on diagnosis of this type of cancer.

He is also demanding answers over failures by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) to meet targets on waiting times experienced by patients who need treatment.

Mr Bibby said more than one in three men in Scotland with prostate cancer are diagnosed too late for a cure and also highlighted figures which show NHSGGC has a “notably less satisfactory performance” than other health boards across the country for prostate cancer waiting times.

He added: “Tragically, Scotland has the worst figures for prostate cancer diagnosis in the UK.

“What is more, the west of Scotland performs particularly poorly in terms of prostate cancer waiting times. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde significantly under-performs other health boards on treatment standards.

“The Scottish Government previously assured us it was investigating those figures. What has been the outcome? What is the minister doing to end the shocking postcode lottery in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment?”

Bosses at NHSGGC said they recognise that early detection of cancer is a key factor in ensuring the best possible patient care and treatment outcomes.

A spokesperson added: “Recovering performance against the national cancer waiting time standards remains a key objective for the board.

“We are working hard with our clinical teams to manage a sustained increase in demand for our services. Key to this is ensuring our patients are directed to appropriate services and have access to diagnostic testing to support timely diagnosis.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Latest data in NHS Scotland shows the number of prostate cancers being diagnosed has increased by 42% since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and Scotland’s five year survival rate of 84.3% is similar to that of England.

“We know that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and even cure, which is why we continue to invest in our Detect Cancer Earlier programme and network of urology diagnostic hubs.

“A new Early Diagnosis Vision has been developed as part of the Scottish Government Cancer Strategy, due to be published in spring 2023.”