CANCER death rates in Scotland have fallen by 9 per cent in the last 10 years, according to new figures released today on World Cancer Day by Cancer Research UK.

As told earlier this week in the Evening Times, Cancer Research UK is encouraging Scots to wear a unity band or make a donation to demonstrate their support for people affected by cancer.

Inspirational breast cancer survivor Claire-Ann McCallum was chosen to kick off World Cancer Day in Scotland.

Claire-Ann, who was just 34 when diagnosed, marked her recovery from the disease by jetting off to New Zealand where she completed her first skydive.

The 36-year-old said: “Cancer has made me a stronger person. Staying positive got me through some dark days and right from the start I was determined to kick cancer where it hurt.

"Not every day was a good day but there have been more highs than lows.

"Thanks to some amazing doctors, support from friends and family who were there for me every step of the way and research then I’m healthy, loving life and still here to give something back and help other people.”

IT expert Claire-Ann, who took part in a clinical trial during cancer treatment, signed up for the skydive as part of an activity packed, seven week trip of a lifetime last October to destinations including Bangkok, Vietnam Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Claire-Ann also dived with sharks and rode on buffalo during the holiday.

She recalls vividly the moment on June 17, 2014 when doctors at the Western General hospital first told her she had cancer.

Claire-Ann had visited her doctor after discovering a small, pea sized lump on her left breast but it was a shock when tests confirmed it was a sign of cancer.

She said: “I didn’t cry but instead asked the doctor how they were going to get rid of the tumour.

“ had surgery to have the lump removed around the time of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and I remember afterwards lying in hospital watching on television the opening ceremony with John Barrowman dancing along beside giant Tunnocks tea cakes and wondering if what I was seeing was really happening or whether the painkillers I was taking were actually too strong.”

Claire-Ann went through one cycle of IVF where five eggs were frozen before starting chemotherapy.

She had a total of 19 radiotherapy sessions and took part in a clinical trial called Persephone, going on the drug Herceptin for 12 months to help prevent cancer returning.

Claire-Ann will also take tamoxifen for 10 years.

To create a bigger impact on World Cancer Day this year, Cancer Research UK has joined forces with leading cancer charities - Breast Cancer Care, Anthony Nolan and the Movember Foundation - to unite the nation and help transform the lives of millions of people affected by the disease.

The four charities collectively support millions of people every year through their individual work in the prevention, detection, treatment and support of those affected by cancer.

The unity band is made of two parts, knotted together, to represent strength in unity.

They are available for a suggested donation of £2 from all Cancer Research UK shops and at www.cruk.org/worldcancerday