Tackle poverty for a healthier nation

ANEW report has revealed the shocking link between cancer and people living in Wales’ poorest communities.

Latest research by Cancer Research UK has shown there are 2,000 extra cancer cases a year linked to deprivation in Wales – equating to more than five avoidable cases a day.

Cancer death rates are 55% higher in the most deprived populations than the least deprived in Wales, while those living in poverty were more likely to be impacted in numerous other areas.

Smoking – the biggest cause of cancer in Wales – is more common in deprived areas, according to the report, while people in those areas are also more likely to be overweight or obese.

Poorer areas also have far more issues with access to health treatments and attendance at important screenings.

Arguably most shocking is just how vulnerable those in poverty are across all aspects of their health.

Lewis Griffiths, from Cardiff, suffers from Hodgkin Lymphoma. In today’s Mail he tells of how he felt compelled to start working again due to money pressure, despite undergoing treatment which eventually forced him to give up again.

“I just wanted to concentrate on getting better but the money situation was so hard, and it was really stressful,” he said.

“No-one talks about the impact cancer has on finances and it feels like there is no support from the Welsh Government to help people financially when they go through cancer.”

The Welsh Government said it is “committed to addressing health inequalities and improving cancer services”.

But nobody should have to worry about work and whether they can put the heating on when they are having treatment for serious illnesses.

Sadly, Lewis’ story is just one of many that highlight the uncomfortable reality that, essentially, you are more likely to become ill and in some cases even die if you’re from a deprived area.

Ill-health can affect anyone, but those in poverty are clearly at risk.

Thousands of people in Wales are waiting years for healthcare, and the unsustainable pressure on services is well documented.

If we want to solve those problems, that involves addressing all aspects of poverty urgently, as well as improving access to safe accommodation, well-paid work and – above all – access to health services as and when people need them.