Scotland will not achieve its goals in tackling cancer until it addresses the health inequalities in cancer, experts warn today, at the third annual Scotland Against Cancer conference, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The conference aims to identify issues and challenges for the coming years as well as to discuss whether the Scottish Executive is meeting stated aims in reducing health inequalities in cancer.

Speakers include Andy Kerr MSP, Minister for Health and Community Care; Dr Anna Gregor, Lead Cancer Clinician for Scotland; Dr Una Macleod, GP and research fellow from the University of Glasgow, who will talk about socio-economic deprivation and cancer and Dr Rafik Gardee, National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health at Gartnavel in Glasgow, who will talk about tackling inequalities in cancer for ethnic minority groups.

Ken Macintosh, Co Convener of the Cross Party Group on Cancer in the Scottish Parliament said: 'The Group aims to identify areas where inequalities exist in the provision of cancer care and campaign for their improvement. We are fortunate to have such eminent keynote speakers and breakout session presenters who will assist us in our evaluation of the progress made so far.'

Breakout sessions on cancer issues and public policy will look at:

ﾕ What more the Executive can do to support cancer research with Jim Cassidy is Cancer Research UK Professor of Oncology at the University of Glasgow;

ﾕ The big issues in prevention, future government interventions, how the social and political environment can be changed to improve health with Professor Gerard Hastings, Professor of Social Marketing, University of Stirling and Professor Bob Steele, Department of Surgery and Oncology, University of Dundee;

ﾕ How to assess the benefits of new treatment in relation to cost and ensure equitable access to them with Dr Duncan Jodrell, Reader in Oncology, Cancer Research UK Centre, University of Edinburgh;

ﾕ The financial concerns of cancer patients and how to address them with Ian Gibson, Director, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Scotland and Northern Ireland;

ﾕ The needs of adolescents with cancer with Christine Akilade, Senior Information Nurse Specialist, CancerBACUP;

ﾕ The palliative care needs and wishes of cancer patients with Dr Scott Murray, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, University of Edinburgh.

Bob Souhami, Director of Policy and Communication at Cancer Research UK said: 'Scotland Against Cancer is now in its third year, and has already become an important date in the diary for the cancer community the Scotland. It is an ideal opportunity for politicians and policymakers to hear the views of the scientists, doctors and patients they serve.

The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries has formed a Cancer Industry Group in Scotland who are working in partnership with Cancer Research UK Scotland to support the conference.

Greg Stevenson, Chair of ABPI's Scottish Cancer Industry Group said: 'One of the key aims of ABPI's Scottish Cancer Industry Group is to ensure people with cancer in Scotland have equitable access to the best available medicines and services. We are delighted to help with this event which shares our vision of equity within cancer care.'

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The Scotland Against Cancer conference is organised by Cancer Research UK Scotland in consultation with the Cross Party Group on Cancer in the Scottish Parliament and is being held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The Cross Party Group on Cancer was formed in the spring of 2001 to enable Members of the Scottish Parliament to establish a mechanism for briefing themselves on cancer issues of public interest.

The Group brings together Members of the Scottish Parliament from across the six political parties of the Parliament, outside organisations and members of the public who share an interest in advancing the cause for a better future for cancer patients.

First published: 22 November 2004