Macmillan Cancer Support is warning that Wales is failing to meet strict new targets designed to make sure people receive lifesaving cancer treatments on time.
The latest cancer treatment waiting times data marks a full year since the Welsh Government launched its new national target that at least 75% of patients would start treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer.
In December only 58.6% started their treatment within the target timeframe – meaning an estimated 643 people faced delays during that one month alone.
Macmillan warns that over the course of the first 12 months of the new Suspected Cancer Pathway, Wales has consistently failed to meet the new target that has been set.
The charity is now voicing concern that as more people begin to enter the system as coronavirus concerns lessen, Wales’ cancer care system is clearly struggling to cope with this increase in demand.
With the latest data also showing a dip in the number of people entering the system for cancer testing in December, Macmillan is also calling on anyone who is concerned about symptoms to contact their GP so diagnoses are not missed or delayed.
Richard Pugh, Head of Partnerships for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales said: “The latest waiting times data marks a full year since the Welsh Government’s new cancer treatment targets came into effect – targets that have yet to be met.
“No-one should underestimate the huge efforts that cancer care staff in Wales have made over the course of this pandemic to make sure people with cancer continue to receive the best possible care, but the fact remains that Wales has had cancer targets in a number of different guises over recent years and not a single one of them has been consistently met.
“That is not the failing of staff on the front-line. It is a failing of a system that desperately needs strategic guidance and significant workforce funding to get it back on track.
“If Wales is to avoid the situation getting worse in the future then we desperately need to see a detailed plan of action from Welsh Government and significant investment into recruiting the specialist cancer care staff Wales will need both now and in the future.
“Macmillan is here to help. Please, if you are worried and need advice, information or a chat you can call us free and confidentially on 0808 808 0000.”
