Charity ‘deeply concerned’ about cancer waiting times in Wales
A charity has expressed deep concerns after a recent report highlighted the need for improvements in cancer services throughout Wales. The pan-cancer report disclosed that no health board in Wales has met its waiting times target for cancer treatment since 2020. Despite increased funding, none of the Welsh health boards have achieved the national performance target of ensuring 75% of cancer patients start their first treatment within 62 days, as outlined in the report from Audit Wales released on January 14th.
The report indicated a decline in performance following the pandemic, with between 52% and 61% of patients beginning their treatment within the specified timeframe. Notably, waiting times for certain types of cancer such as lower gastrointestinal, gynaecological, and urological cancers are significantly extended, with some patients waiting over 100 days to commence treatment. While cancer survival rates in Wales have shown improvement in recent years, they remain inferior when compared to other countries. Wales currently has the second-highest cancer mortality rate in the UK, trailing behind Scotland. Furthermore, individuals residing in deprived areas experience even poorer survival rates.
Moreover, the report highlighted a 22% increase in newly diagnosed cancers from 2002 to 2021, along with a rise in suspected cancer referrals. Surprisingly, over 84% of patients referred with suspected cancer are eventually found not to have the disease. Blood cancer, the UK’s fifth most common cancer with 41,000 new diagnoses annually, was also featured in the report. Blood Cancer UK, a contributor to the report, emphasized the necessity for timely diagnoses, world-class treatment, and equitable care for individuals with blood cancer in Wales.
Hilary Webb from Blood Cancer UK stressed the urgency for stronger national leadership to drive essential improvements in cancer care. The charity is advocating for people with blood cancer to be actively involved in plans addressing these critical issues. The report further aligns with the UK Blood Cancer Action Plan’s objectives, emphasizing the need to enhance outcomes, particularly for patients from disadvantaged backgrounds. Addressing challenges in data infrastructure and workforce capacity must become a priority to ensure enhanced outcomes for all cancer patients in Wales.
A survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma, Helen from Cardiff, shared her challenges in obtaining a diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of timely medical intervention. Delay in diagnosis can significantly impact the spread and treatment options for cancer. Helen’s journey underscores the crucial role of early detection in improving cancer outcomes. As Wales continues to navigate challenges in cancer care, the voices of survivors like Helen and advocacy from organisations like Blood Cancer UK remain vital in driving positive change in cancer services across the region.
The revelations from the report have sparked discussions on the pressing need for improved cancer services in Wales. There is a collective call for enhanced leadership, stronger data infrastructure, and increased workforce capacity to address the growing demands in cancer care. As the healthcare system grapples with these challenges, the emphasis remains on timely interventions, equitable access to treatment, and better outcomes for all individuals affected by cancer in Wales.