Cancer treatment reform needed now
WE HOPE you have had a peaceful and restful Christmas. It is a time when many are surrounded by loved ones, and a time when care comes to the fore.
And as the nation takes stock of what has proved a too-challenging year and what is to come, many will be hoping their health needs and those of their loved ones are answered promptly with the appropriate expert support and treatment.
For those waiting for a cancer diagnosis and care, however, the waits remain far too long despite the hard work of NHS staff. Such waiting puts many people through agonising worry and potentially unnecessary pain.
Cancer is one of Wales’ biggest killers and yet too far many are waiting far longer than they should have to even for initial tests.
The Welsh Government’s suspected cancer pathway target came into effect from December 1, 2020. It set the target that at least 75% of patients should start treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer. This is not happening.
As charity Macmillan Cancer Support points out today barely more than half of people with cancer start their treatment on time, leaving 810 people in just one month to face anxious delays. And what is heart-rending is that that’s the worst performance since current records began.
Research, a recent study from the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership involving seven cancers, makes it clear that coherent cancer plans can lead to better survival rates for patients. Wales was second from bottom in this league table, with only Northern Ireland in a worse position. Wales can and should be doing better, and the Welsh Government should not delay in introducing Wales’ new cancer action plan.
With a NHS workforce under pressure across the board as waiting times remain at record level, staff shortages need to be tackled urgently to ensure patients are given the potential diagnosis, treatment and care as soon as possible.
Key too will be tackling cancer inequalities that affect the most deprived communities in Wales, as well as a commitment to investing in the latest innovations and learning lessons from the best. Denmark’s cancer outcomes were awful in the early 2000s but by particularly focusing on early diagnosis, its five-year survival rates now top the international league table.
One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Wales needs to introduce cancer treatment reform now for all our sakes.
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