Spotlight on delivery of cancer services in Wales

10 February 2014

A National Assembly Committee has begun an inquiry looking at how well health boards in Wales are delivering cancer treatment services.

The Health and Social Care Committee will find out how much progress has been made in implementing the Welsh Government’s ‘Cancer Delivery Plan’ following its launch in 2012.

The plan focuses on prevention by making people aware of the early signs of cancer, prompting an early visit to their GP for advice and treatment. GPs, in turn, should also have greater access to diagnostic services, particularly ultrasounds and CT scans.

The Cancer Delivery Plan is to be implemented by Local Health Boards and NHS Trusts which are accountable to the Welsh Government.

According to Cancer Research UK, cancer survival rates are improving but the cancer incidence in Wales is among the highest in the UK. Its figures show there are around 524 cancer cases for every 100,000 people in the UK. In Wales the figure is 599 cancer cases for every 100,000.

“Cancer can affect anyone at any time,” said David Rees AM, Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee.

“Whilst it is positive that figures suggest the survival rate for cancer is improving, it is concerning that the number of cases in Wales is still very high in comparison to other parts of the UK.

“This inquiry will seek to identify why that is and how much progress local health boards are making in improving cancer services in Wales.

“The Welsh Government set out an ambitious strategy in 2012, focusing on prevention through identifying early warning signs and improving access to screening services.

“We would like to hear from anyone with experience either in providing or using cancer services around Wales.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the inquiry can either email HSCCommittee@wales.gov.uk or write to:

Committee Clerk

Health and Social Care Committee

National Assembly for Wales

Cardiff Bay

Cardiff

CF99 1NA

The closing date for the public consultation is Friday 4 April 2014.

More information about the Health and Social Care Committee can be found here.

More information about Cancer Research UK’s mortality figures can be found here.