CANCER CAMPAIGN BACKS ALCOHOL BILL

CANCER CAMPAIGN BACKS ALCOHOL BILL

Stuart McMillan MSP has welcomed the news from Breakthrough Breast Cancer that they are in support of the Scottish Government's commitment to tackle alcohol misuse in Scotland through the Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill. The organisation highlighted the fact that Breast Cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in Scotland with 4,000 women being diagnosed and 1,000 dying from the disease each year.

Mr McMillan announced their support, in the Scottish Parliament chamber, in a supplementary question to the Cabinet Secretary for Health Nicola Sturgeon MSP in relation to finding out what further support the Scottish Government had received for Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill.

Mr McMillan said;

"I welcome the support from Breakthrough Breast Cancer to the Scottish Government's Alcohol etc (Scotland) Bill.

"This is another organisation to add to the vast list of Health Boards, Police Chiefs and medical experts who are in support of the Bill being put before Parliament by the Scottish Government.

"It vital that these measures are introduced as we have just recently heard how alcohol abuse is costing the taxpayer an average of £900 per adult in Scotland today.

Audrey Birt, Director for Scotland at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said;

“Alcohol is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Breakthrough Breast Cancer is extremely concerned that failure now to take strong action to reduce levels of alcohol consumption, will lead to more women being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future.”