Wales is now the only UK nation without a long-term plan for cancer care, Tenovus Cancer Care has warned, following the publication of a new 10-year cancer strategy for England on World Cancer Day. The charity said the absence of a clear, fully resourced plan in Wales risks embedding long waits and widening inequalities for people affected by cancer.
Gareth Howells, Chief Executive of Tenovus Cancer Care, said:
“Today’s publication of a long-term cancer plan for England highlights a stark and growing gap. Wales is now the only UK nation without a long-term plan to improve cancer care and outcomes, and people affected by cancer in Wales are being left behind.
“Cancer incidence in Wales continues to rise, adding pressure to an already stretched system. Without a clear, fully resourced strategy, long waits will persist and inequalities will deepen. The next Welsh Government must act urgently.
“Our manifesto, Losing our Patience, sets out the practical steps needed to deliver fairer, faster cancer services — including investment in staff and diagnostic capacity, tackling workforce shortages, and reforming pathways so people get diagnosed and treated earlier.
“Early detection must be a priority, particularly for the less survivable cancers where outcomes in Wales remain unacceptably poor. Where you live, your background or your gender should never determine your chances of survival.
“Behind every statistic is a person and a family facing one of the toughest moments of their lives. Everyone in Wales deserves timely diagnosis, high-quality treatment, and the best possible chance not just to survive, but to live well. Without a long-term plan for Wales, that promise remains out of reach — and that must change.”
