Cancer and poverty

Death rates from cancer are 61% higher in the most deprived areas of Scotland, according to the latest figures. NHS Scotland found living in a poor area affected your chance of survival. 

There were also 27% more cancers diagnosed in deprived areas compared with the most affluent last year.

Cancers that were associated with smoking "tended to be strongly correlated with deprivation", the report said.

 The mortality rate for liver cancer increased by 55%, with the main risk factors identified as alcohol and hepatitis B and C infections.

Trisha Hatt, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "It's also clear from last week's Audit Scotland report that mortality rates from cancer in Scotland are higher than the rest of the UK, and much higher in deprived communities."