A turning point for cancer care in Wales

Right now, cancer care in Wales is in crisis - and people affected by cancer deserve better. Every 75 seconds, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. In Wales, that means around 60 people each day hearing life changing news. With around 190,000 people in Wales living with a cancer diagnosis today, and many more likely to face one in the years ahead, the pressure on our cancer system is growing. The next Welsh Government must act, and act boldly, to turn the tide.

Over the last 12 months, Macmillan has been listening carefully to what needs to change in cancer care in Wales. We listened to people affected by cancer and the professionals supporting them, through focus groups, roundtables and public events, ensuring their experiences were front and centre as Wales prepares to elect its next government.

People shared their experiences of waiting too long for answers, struggling to navigate fragmented services, and coping with the emotional, physical and practical impact of cancer being overlooked. Professionals told us about workforce pressures and outdated systems, and the frustration of working in a system that too often prevents them from delivering cancer care to everyone who needs it, when and where they need it.

These insights directly informed Macmillan’s manifesto priorities, four urgent areas for action that could spark a revolution in cancer care and deliver the transformation people affected by cancer need and deserve:

1. A 10-year National Cancer Strategy 

2.A well-supported cancer workforce 

3.A revolution in cancer data and digital infrastructure 

4. A holistic, person-centred cancer system 

Listening was only the start. We have worked to ensure these voices are heard where decisions are made.

From launching our manifesto on the steps of the Senedd alongside people affected by cancer and cancer professionals, to attending party conferences, main stage debates and hustings held with Maggie’s centres in North and South Wales, we have taken real world experiences directly to candidates and decision makers. We have met with Members of the Senedd and political parties, and we are encouraged to see Macmillan’s priorities reflected across a number of party manifestos.

As election day approaches, there is still time to make your voice heard. Candidates want to understand what matters most to the people they hope to represent. By contacting candidates in your area and asking them to pledge their support for Macmillan’s manifesto priorities, you can help ensure cancer care remains a priority for the next Welsh Government.

When the election is over, our work will only be beginning. Macmillan stands ready to be a convenor, partner and critical friend to the next Welsh Government, rolling up our sleeves to work alongside NHS Wales, professionals, colleagues from the Wales Cancer Alliance and all communities to turn ambition into action. Together, we can spark a revolution in cancer care and ensure that everyone affected by cancer in Wales gets the care, compassion and support they need, whenever and wherever they need it.

Tell your MS Candidates: cancer care must be a priority this election

Dywedwch wrth eich Ymgeiswyr AS: rhaid i ofal canser fod yn flaenoriaeth yr etholiad hwn