Motion · S5M-22864 · 29 Sep 2020

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Lodged by Lewis Macdonald Standard Motion 15 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament recognises that September 2020 marks Blood Cancer Awareness Month; notes that, while this condition is Scotland’s fifth most common cancer, awareness of the disease remains low relative to solid tumour cancers; acknowledges that the number of diagnoses is projected to rise over the coming decade; understands that diagnosing blood cancers can be complex and that symptoms such as back pain, bruising or fatigue are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed; appreciates that early intervention can have a major impact on quality of life and long-term outcomes; accepts that, unlike solid tumours, blood cancers are often not treatable using surgery or radiotherapy, meaning that that patients are often dependent on the development of new and innovative medicines; recognises the impact of COVID-19 on people with the condition who were defined as clinically extremely vulnerable and shielding; commends the work of the Blood Cancer Alliance and AbbVie in raising awareness of the condition, and calls on the Scottish Government to develop a defined strategy that recognises the unmet needs of people living with blood cancers.

Supporters (15)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.