- Ten-year National Cancer Strategy being developed to
transform how the disease is prevented, diagnosed and treated in
Wales.
- Strategy will be shaped by a formal call for evidence from
patients, carers, clinicians, charities and the public as well as
working with international partners.
- Strategy to be published to coincide with World Cancer Day on
4 February 2027.
The Welsh Government is taking decisive action on cancer by
developing a 10-year National Cancer Strategy to transform 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, , says that a lack of
national direction and strategic ambition has compromised the
fight against cancer for too long. Today's announcement changes
that.
The development of the strategy will set out an ambitious vision
for cancer care in Wales based on proactively addressing the
preventative causes of cancer, boosting rates of early diagnosis
and developing optimal pathways of care for all types of cancer
from initial diagnosis to end of life care. It will also
strengthen accountability and ensure that the postcode a person
lives in no longer determines the quality of care they receive.
Working with the European Cancer Organisation and other
international partners, Wales will draw on the best international
evidence and innovation to ensure the strategy reflects the very
latest thinking in cancer care.
Crucially, this strategy will be shaped by those who understand
cancer most. A formal call for evidence will be launched giving
patients, carers, clinicians, charities, and the public a direct
role in shaping Wales' future approach to cancer.
The Welsh Government has already moved to engage the Wales Cancer
Alliance who represent more than thirty cancer charities and will
work intensively with the NHS and third sector throughout.
The strategy will be published to coincide with World Cancer Day
on 4 February 2027.
Alongside the development of the strategy and in line with its
First 100 Days Plan, the Welsh Government is 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, 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.
