Report calls for improvement in cancer services in Wales

The report, from Audit Wales published today (Tuesday 14th January), finds that despite increased investment, no Welsh health board met the national performance target that 75% of cancer patients should start their first treatment within 62 days.

The report showed that waiting times for some cancer types (lower gastrointestinal, gynaecological, and urological cancers) are particularly long, with some patients waiting over 100 days to start treatment. It calls for stronger and clearer national leadership to improve cancer services.

While the report looks at many cancers, blood cancer is only mentioned in reference to how some blood cancers sometimes meet national targets.

Blood cancer is the UK’s fifth most common cancer, with 41,000 diagnosed a year. Blood Cancer UK contributed to this report in 2024, where alongside representatives in the third sector, we attended a workshop to comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the national strategic approach.

We have concerns about the recording and reporting of blood cancer data in Wales and welcome the report’s recommendation to develop more comprehensive publicly available data on cancer services.

Hilary Webb from Blood Cancer UK, said:
"For those newly diagnosed with cancer in Wales, the findings of the Auditor General’s report are deeply concerning. People living with blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, in Wales deserve timely diagnosis, world-class treatment, and equitable care—regardless of where they live or their background. While the blood cancer workforce is doing an exceptional job under challenging circumstances, this report highlights an urgent need for stronger and clearer national leadership to drive the improvements required.

“We fully support the report's recommendations and urge the Welsh Government and NHS Executive to ensure that people with blood cancer, alongside the blood cancer workforce are actively included in plans to address these critical issues. These findings echo those outlined in our UK Blood Cancer Action Plan—especially the stark reality that outcomes for cancer patients, particularly those from the most deprived backgrounds, lag behind comparable countries. Addressing challenges around data infrastructure and workforce capacity must now become a priority to ensure better outcomes for everyone affected by cancer in Wales.

“Anyone who is concerned about symptoms should not wait to seek getting advice from their doctor.”