MACMILLAN Cancer Support has urged council candidates in the Borders to make support services for people with cancer a priority if they are elected.

Latest figures from Information Services Division Scotland (ISD) show 746 people in the Borders were diagnosed with cancer in 2015.

And the charity says the local authority has a vital role to play in supporting people with the condition.

Janice Preston, Macmillan’s head in Scotland, said: “Cancer is often seen as a problem that hospitals deal with.

“However cancer can affect every aspect of a person’s life. 

“Mobility problems, extreme fatigue and money worries are just a few of the problems people tell us they face.

“Local authorities across Scotland already provide some fantastic services for people with cancer, from benefits advice to social care and we want to see that continue.

“We also want every local authority to make sure they have a long term plan that sets out how they’ll support local people with cancer to get co-ordinated support, working closely with the NHS via the new health and social care partnerships.

“The new councillors who are elected on May 4 all have a role to play in making sure joined up support for people with cancer is a key priority in the coming years and we hope they’ll pledge their support.”

In the Borders, the charity has also partnered with sport and leisure trust Live Borders to provide Move More classes to help people affected by cancer get active.