Welsh Gov announces 10-year National Cancer Strategy
The National Cancer Strategy will aim to change the way the health service prevents, diagnoses, and treats the disease
The Welsh Government says it's 'taking decisive action' on cancer by developing a 10-year National Cancer Strategy to change the way the health service prevents, diagnoses, and treats the disease.
Cancer is Wales' biggest killer and one in two people will be affected by it in their lifetime. However, despite its prevalence in Wales, the performance of cancer services in terms of treatment and outcomes continues to lag behind where it should be.
The Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, says that a lack of national direction and strategic ambition has compromised the fight against cancer for too long.
Working with the European Cancer Organisation and other international partners, Wales will draw on international evidence and innovation to ensure the strategy 'reflects the very latest thinking in cancer care.'
A formal call for evidence will be launched giving patients, carers, clinicians, charities, and the public to help develop the strategy.
The strategy will be published to coincide with World Cancer Day on 4 February 2027
The Welsh Government says it's also developing Right to Be Forgotten principles to help cancer survivors access financial services. Work has begun on a travel and accommodation fund for children and young people attending cancer appointments and the Welsh Government is commissioning a feasibility study for a new Rapid Diagnostic Centre in Powys.
Cabinet Minister for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “For patients waiting too long for diagnosis, for families in rural communities who face greater barriers to care, and for the clinicians working hard to deliver world-class treatment with insufficient national coordination, this strategy matters.
“Wales has not introduced a national cancer strategy since 2006. In the two decades since, treatments have transformed, diagnostic technology has advanced, the needs of our population have changed, and our understanding of cancer has deepened dramatically.
“This Welsh Government is moving at pace, and it is moving with purpose on this priority of national importance. Every person in Wales deserves the best possible chance against cancer. This strategy will deliver it.”