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Cancer Mortality

Annual data and 5 year summaries of deaths from cancer in Scotland. Data is presented by Cancer Network Region and Health Board; within Scotland and Network levels of reporting, the mortality figures are further broken down by age group and sex.

The cancer sites reported on include: bladder, bone and connective tissue, brain and central nervous system, breast colorectal, female genital organs, head and neck, hodgkin lymphoma, kidney, leukaemias, liver, lung and mesothelioma, male genital organs, multiple myeloma, non-hodgkin lymphoma, oesophageal, pancreatic, skin, stomach.

Further information on cancer incidence can be found in the [annual publication] (https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/cancer-mortality/cancer-mortality-in-scotland-annual-update-to-2022/)

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Source National Records of Scotland (NRS), Scottish Cancer Registry (SMR06)
Author PHS Cancer Statistics Team
Last Updated February 11, 2026, 09:09 (GMT)
Created February 12, 2019, 10:55 (GMT)
Contact Address Public Health Scotland, Gyle Square, 1 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh EH12 9EB
Subject Conditions and Diseases
Frequency Annual
Time frame of data and timeliness No delays between data availability and processing of data for publication.
Coverage Covers all registered deaths from cancer in Scotland since 2000.
Completeness At time of extraction, data for the most recent year are considered to be complete.
Accuracy For coding of deaths see the website of the National Records of Scotland (http://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/vital-events/deaths/deaths-background-information/death-certificates-and-coding-the-causes-of-death). Reported data are compared to previous years' figures and to expected trends.
Continuity of data Reports include data from 2000 to 2024. NRS moved from ICD-9 to ICD-10 in 2000, therefore there was no need for ICD codes back-mapping for continuity of reporting.
Concepts and definitions See the Cancer Information FAQs in the 'Links' section.
Disclosure The PHS protocol on Statistical Disclosure Protocol is followed.
Revision statement No revisions have occurred and there are no revisions planned.
Official statistics designation National Statistics
Relevance and key uses of the statistics The number and type of cancer deaths, by sex and geography, allow planning for provision of cancer treatment services and palliative care planning. Permits indirect measure of success of public health measures and interventions over the longer term.
Format CSV
Language English
Links

Cancer Information FAQs; National Records of Scottland - Coding of Deaths; Cancer Incidence in England; Cancer Incidence in Wales; Cancer Incidence in Northern Ireland;