Less Survivable Cancers: Turning the Tide in Wales

Six cancers – lung, stomach, pancreatic, liver, brain and oesophageal – account for nearly 40% of all common cancer deaths in the UK. Yet they have historically received less attention, investment and research funding than other cancer types.

At Tenovus Cancer Care, we believe this must change.

As chair of the Wales sub-group of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, we are calling on the Welsh Government to make these six cancers a clear priority in its new ten-year National Cancer Strategy for Wales.

The message is simple: we cannot improve cancer survival in Wales without tackling the inequalities facing people diagnosed with less survivable cancers.

Why less survivable cancers need a different approach

The statistics highlight the scale of the challenge. In Wales, 61% of people diagnosed with one of the six less survivable cancers die within a year. Average one-year survival is just 39%, compared with more than 70% across all cancers. Five-year survival is around 16%.

These cancers present unique challenges that a one-size-fits-all approach to cancer care cannot adequately address.

• Symptoms can be difficult to recognise. Unlike cancers that may present with a distinct lump or visible change, less survivable cancers often cause vague symptoms such as indigestion, back pain, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss or headaches. These can easily be mistaken for everyday conditions, delaying diagnosis.
• Screening options are limited. Most less survivable cancers do not have routine national screening programmes. We need to invest in new approaches to identifying people at risk, developing innovative diagnostic tools and improving access to scans and tests.
• Diagnosis often comes too late. Many of these cancers can progress quickly and are frequently diagnosed following an emergency hospital admission. By this stage, treatment options may be limited and potentially curative surgery may no longer be possible.
• Research remains underfunded. Late diagnosis can mean patients are too unwell to take part in clinical trials. This creates a cycle of fewer research opportunities, slower progress and continued underinvestment.
• Patients and families need specialist support. A diagnosis can bring complex physical, emotional and financial challenges. People may need specialist symptom management, nutritional support, palliative care, counselling and advice on benefits and finances.

These challenges demand a more targeted and ambitious approach. We welcomed the Welsh Government's commitment to including a dedicated chapter or action plan for less survivable cancers in the new strategy.

Now we need to see that commitment translated into action.

What needs to change?

The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce has submitted its response to the National Cancer Strategy consultation, setting out the changes needed to improve outcomes.

We believe the strategy must focus on three key priorities.

1. Earlier and faster diagnosis

Finding cancer earlier gives people more treatment options and a better chance of survival.

The new strategy must:

• Set a firm timetable for the full national roll-out of Wales's targeted lung cancer screening programme, which is due to begin inviting people in April 2028.
• Improve early identification of people at higher risk, including those with potential warning signs of pancreatic cancer.
• Guarantee access to properly funded Rapid Diagnosis Clinics for people with vague, persistent or unexplained symptoms, including those living in rural communities.
• Give GPs better access to diagnostic tests, including CT, MRI and endoscopy, alongside digital tools to help identify concerning symptom patterns.
  No one should have to make repeated GP visits before getting the tests they need.

2. Faster access to treatment and clinical research

For cancers that can progress rapidly, delays in diagnosis and treatment can have devastating consequences.
We are calling for funded National Optimal Pathways for all six cancers, supported by dedicated national clinical and research leadership.

This must also include:

• A sustainable cancer workforce plan to address shortages in radiology, endoscopy and oncology.
• Fairer investment in research and greater access to clinical trials.
• Faster referral, diagnosis and treatment pathways to give patients the best possible chance of receiving timely care.

3. Better support for people and families

Cancer care must go beyond medical treatment. People affected by less survivable cancers often face particularly complex needs, and support must be available from the moment of diagnosis.

Every patient should have access to a named Clinical Nurse Specialist, alongside appropriate symptom management, specialist dietetic support and treatments such as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) where needed.

Charities and third-sector organisations also have a vital role to play. At Tenovus Cancer Care, our free Nurse-led Support Line, Counselling services and Money and More Cymru Benefits Advice service help people navigate the emotional and financial impact of cancer.

These services should be recognised and integrated into NHS care pathways, ensuring people and their families receive the support they need, when they need it.

A clear ambition for the future

We believe the new National Cancer Strategy for Wales must set an ambitious target: to double five-year survival for the six less survivable cancers, from 16% to 32%.

To measure progress, Wales also needs better cancer data, including regular reporting on routes to diagnosis and cancer-specific waiting times. This will help identify where improvements are needed and ensure the health system is held accountable.

Through our work with the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, Tenovus Cancer Care is committed to working alongside the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and other partners to make these changes happen.

People affected by less survivable cancers deserve earlier diagnosis, better treatment and the right support at every stage.

It is time to turn the tide and make less survivable cancers a priority in Wales.