**Life-Saving Cancer Treatment Urgently Needed in Wales**
Calls for life-extending bowel cancer treatment to be funded by the NHS in Wales have intensified as the treatment is routinely funded in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but not in Wales. The lack of funding in Wales has been described as a “postcode lottery” by some. Since May 2022, the Moondance Cancer Initiative has been stepping in to fund peritoneal metastasis treatment in Wales, providing a much-needed option for patients in palliative care. Although the organisation, based in Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, has been able to treat eligible patients from Wales, the sustainability of this service hinges on NHS funding.
**Advocating for Equitable Access to Treatment**
Professor Jared Torkington, clinical director at Moondance Cancer Initiative, and consultant colorectal surgeon at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, underscored the importance of NHS Wales committing to permanent funding for this life-saving service. He stressed that funding the treatment would not only save lives but also ensure that Welsh patients can access care locally, without facing unnecessary delays or financial obstacles. The treatment involves cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, specifically for patients with bowel cancer that has spread to the peritoneum.
**Empowering Patients with Life-Saving Treatment Options**
Since offering the treatment in May 2022, the Moondance Cancer Initiative has treated 40 patients in Wales, with 250 more referred for consideration. Prior to the availability of this treatment locally, Welsh patients had to relocate outside of Wales for treatment. Sue Quinn Aziz, one such patient, had to move to Birmingham for the treatment that her doctor deemed unavailable within the Welsh NHS. However, she is now cancer-free, a testament to the life-saving potential of the treatment.
**From Funeral Planning to Cancer-Free: Stories of Hope**
Victoria Reitze, 55, from Barry, went from making funeral arrangements to being cancer-free within a year. Initially diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, she was given palliative chemotherapy before receiving the life-extending treatment. Victoria vividly recalls having to prepare her end-of-life plans before the treatment changed her prognosis. The transformative surgery, which involved the removal of multiple organs, ultimately led to her being cancer-free.
**Celebrating Medical Milestones and New Beginnings**
Diane Morgan, 74, from Llanharry, became the first patient in Wales to undergo the innovative treatment. Following the surgery on her 72nd birthday, Diane expressed immense gratitude for the new lease of life the treatment had afforded her. The subsequent chemotherapy sessions have further bolstered her health, enabling her to cherish moments with her great-grandchildren.
**The Cost-Effectiveness of Local Treatment Solutions**
It currently costs three times more to refer patients outside of Wales for treatment, compared to performing the procedure within NHS Wales. With sustainable funding, Moondance Cancer Initiative underscores the potential for more equitable access to treatment and the optimisation of NHS resources. Establishing local access to life-extending treatments not only enhances patient care but also streamlines the healthcare journey for those battling cancer in Wales.
**Raising Awareness for Urgent Action**
The heartfelt testimonials from patients like Sue, Victoria, and Diane underscore the critical need for NHS Wales to prioritise funding for this life-saving treatment. As the campaign for equitable access gains momentum, the stories of resilience and hope serve as poignant reminders of the transformative impact of timely medical interventions. Will NHS Wales rise to the occasion and ensure that more patients have access to these life-extending treatments close to home?
In conclusion, the ongoing saga of securing funding for vital cancer treatment in Wales highlights the need for prompt action to prevent patients from falling through the cracks of the healthcare system. As the debate around healthcare funding continues, the voices of those who have benefited from these treatments stand as a testament to the life-saving potential of accessible and timely interventions.