Prostate cancer in Scotland: an evolutionary journey

Prostate cancer remains the most common male cancer in Scotland, accounting for more than 20% of all cancers diagnosed in men (Scottish Public Health Observatory, 2019). It is the largest cause of male cancer deaths. Although the number of cases per year has largely stayed the same in the past decade (NHS National Services Scotland Information Services Division, 2016), survival rates are improving, particularly where diagnosis is early (Prostate Scotland, 2020). The development of new technologies and treatments has undoubtedly contributed to improvements in outcomes. Alongside this, the ability to redesign pathways in line with technological advances, patients' needs and consumer expectations has become another critical success factor. This has certainly been the case at Edinburgh Cancer Centre, where prostate cancer pathways have evolved considerably since our brachytherapy service was first introduced in 2001.