What the cancer workforce needs from the next Welsh Government

In the week that we have celebrated National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day, it felt important to reiterate Macmillan’s manifesto calls for the next Welsh Government.

Every day dedicated cancer professionals across Wales go above and beyond to meet the challenges of delivering treatment and care in difficult circumstances. We know our cancer system in Wales is in crisis, and those delivering care on the frontline see and experience this on every shift.

With just under two months until the Senedd election, Macmillan’s manifesto- which was informed in conversation with people with lived experience and professionals- sets out the urgent changes we need to see to build a well-supported cancer workforce for the future. With ever growing numbers of people diagnosed with cancer it’s never been more important that we have a cancer workforce in Wales that is ready to face the challenges of delivering more complex care to more patients.

Regarding the workforce, our manifesto for 2026 is calling for:

• A focussed cancer workforce strategy
• Regular collection and publication of data on the cancer workforce
• Action to create a workforce that is equitable and culturally responsive
• Clear career progression pathways for cancer professionals

To build a cancer workforce in Wales that can meet the demands of the future, we need an ambitious, well‑funded strategy that recognises and invests in every part of the workforce – from specialist nurses and dietitians to support workers, physiotherapists, psychologists and GPs. Cancer care must be designed and delivered as close to home as possible, rooted in the communities it serves, and shaped with the people who rely on it. Only then can we ensure truly person‑centred care that is available at the right time, in the right place, and delivered by the right professionals.

As cancer treatment and technology continues to develop rapidly, we need to ensure all staff can access the latest training, and the dedicated time and funding to support them. To support this, Macmillan are working in partnership with NHS Wales Performance and Improvement to support the roll out of the ACCEND (Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development) programme across the cancer workforce in Wales.

A vital part of strengthening the cancer workforce is understanding who they are. Without regular data collection, it is difficult to have a detailed understanding of the number of professionals in the cancer workforce, meaning it is difficult to effectively plan for the future.

With the ever-increasing complexity of care and the growing number of people being diagnosed, the cancer workforce needs to be culturally responsive, able to respond to rapid advancements in and function differently. This includes both cancer and non-cancer specialists having the skills, knowledge and support from the wider healthcare system to support people with cancer and other long-term conditions.

As part of developing our manifesto, we spoke to frontline cancer professionals from across Wales about the support they need. They were clear that there must be stronger national direction and accountability to deliver improvements in the cancer system. We also heard that they want better access to the tools they need to succeed, including good quality data, better training opportunities and clear national standards to work towards.

On Tuesday 24th March, Macmillan will be holding a hustings event in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay at 6.30pm. This will be your chance to put questions to the political parties standing in the elections in May and ask them about their priorities for healthcare in Wales. If you’d like to join us, please email AKewn@macmillan.org.uk.