CANCER RESEARCH UK RESPONSE TO CANCER WAITING TIMES – PUBLISHED BY WELSH GOVERNMENT TODAY

Cancer Research UK’s response to today’s cancer waiting times statistics published by the Welsh Government for the first time since March.  These latest figures show that around 7,100 people diagnosed with cancer started treatment between April and September 2020 in Wales. This was around 1,500 or fewer people (17% lower or around 1 in 5 people) than in the same period the previous year.

The report also tells us that only 74% of patients with an urgent referral for a suspicion of cancer received a test and started treatment within 62 days during September 2020.The target is 95%.

This compares to 80% of patients with an urgent referral for a suspicion of cancer starting treatment at the same time last year. While the proportion of patients being seen has remained stable, the drop in the number of people being seen is of concern.

Our tweet in response to this report can be found @CRUKCymru here. https://twitter.com/CRUKCymru/status/1329390537330352129

Andy Glyde, Cancer Research UK public affairs manager in Wales, said: “These statistics reveal the worrying backlog which has been growing since earlier this year when services were paused due to the pandemic.

“Even though the NHS has been working hard to keep cancer services running, too many people are waiting too long for tests and for treatment to start. That’s why the Welsh Government must publish a cancer recovery plan, which includes how backlogs will be tackled.

“The early diagnosis of cancer can significantly improve someone’s chances of survival so it’s vital patients have safe access to health services.

“The NHS remains open for business and it’s important people know they can still see a doctor.

“For patients to have confidence that they’re receiving services in a safe space, it’s also important they also know that healthcare staff are being routinely tested for COVID-19.”