Macmillan Cancer Support and Life Sciences Hub Wales have joined forces to accelerate the pace of innovation in cancer care and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer across Wales.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Wales, with outcomes still lagging behind other UK nations and many European countries. Despite targeted interventions, significant unwarranted variation persists in prevention, access to care, and treatment -particularly for lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers.
People’s chances of early diagnosis, treatment, and survival can differ depending on where they live or their background, rather than their medical needs alone. This can contribute to poorer survival outcomes in areas with lower uptake, leading to health inequalities. Cancer mortality in Wales is 52% higher in the most deprived areas than in the least deprived, highlighting the urgent need to address these disparities.
There’s growing momentum in Wales to address these challenges, with a clear ambition from the Welsh Government through its Tackling Cancer initiative, and health leaders to deliver better cancer care. This work will align with national efforts, to ensure a joined-up approach and support a fairer, more consistent experience for people affected by cancer, wherever they live in Wales.
During its initial discovery phase, the new partnership will engage a broad group of core delivery and advisory partners, including people with a lived experience of cancer, NHS organisations in Wales, Welsh Government, third sector, academia, innovators and funders. Using data, the partnership will pinpoint where unwarranted variation exists in cancer diagnosis, treatment, access to services, and outcomes.
Working together, Macmillan and Life Sciences Hub Wales will help identify and accelerate innovation projects in Wales that have a real potential to be adopted more widely across the health system, building on existing sector intelligence, clinical engagement, and innovation mapping.
Kate Williams, Nation Lead, Macmillan Cancer Services Support in Wales, said:
“At Macmillan, we believe everyone with cancer should have access to the very best that cancer care has to offer. To achieve that we need to reduce the inequalities that exist in the system right now, while making sure that innovative new solutions and approaches are given the best possible chance to be adopted as quickly as possible right across Wales. Much is already being done, and we hope this exciting new partnership will be an important next step in making sure that everyone with cancer, no matter who they are or where they live, can receive the best possible cancer care.”
Cari-Anne Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, Life Sciences Hub Wales said:
“We’re delighted to announce our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. By working together, and combining expertise from across sectors, this is a significant step forward in our shared mission to reduce health equities in cancer care and drive meaningful change for people affected by cancer in Wales.”
