Macmillan Cancer Support is warning that the latest waiting times data for Wales reveals how patients continue to face worrying delays in life-saving cancer treatment.
Released today, cancer treatment waiting times data for November shows that performance against Wales’ national target was at its lowest point since the pandemic began.
Only 57.9% of patients newly diagnosed with cancer started their first definitive treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer, which is well below the national target of 75%.
The charity warns that during November alone, over 740 people with cancer were left to face worrying delays in their treatment.
Macmillan is now calling for urgent action to ensure that no-one faces such anxious delays, at a time when the number of patients starting treatment has reached its highest point since data was first collected in June 2019.
Richard Pugh, Head of Partnerships for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales said: “No-one can doubt the tireless efforts being made by NHS staff, but as the demand for cancer treatment continues to rise it is clear that Wales’ cancer care system is struggling to cope.
“People with cancer will only get the best possible outcome if they receive both an early diagnosis and timely treatment, but for so many people that simply is not happening.
“Even before this crisis hit, Wales’ cancer care system was under tremendous pressure. That is why we need to see a dedicated plan that will ensure Wales has a cancer care system and the specialist cancer care staff needed to meet demand for life-saving treatments both now and in the future.”
“If anyone is worried and needs advice, information or a chat you can call Macmillan for free on 0808 808 0000.”
