New Welsh Cancer Strategy announced: A major step forward for people affected by blood cancer
Wales
Today (Wednesday 16 June), the Welsh Government announced it will develop a new 10-year National Cancer Strategy for Wales. This is something we've been calling for over many years, and it's an important milestone for everyone affected by blood cancer – both those living with the disease today and those who will be diagnosed in the future.
This is a chance to improve blood cancer care
Until now, Wales has been the only UK nation without a Government-led cancer strategy or commitment to one.
A new strategy creates an opportunity to improve diagnosis, treatment, research and support for people affected by cancer. For people with blood cancer, it's also a chance to make sure our diseases are no longer overlooked.
Blood cancer is the third biggest cancer killer in Wales, and around 58% of blood cancer deaths are caused by the deadliest blood cancers. Yet blood cancer has too often been treated as an afterthought in cancer policy, with many initiatives focused on cancers that can be prevented through lifestyle changes or treated with surgery and radiotherapy.
Blood cancer is different. Many blood cancers cannot be prevented, and people often rely on specialist haematology services, innovative treatments and clinical trials to improve their chances of survival.
Our work isn't finished
The strategy won't be published until World Cancer Day 2027, and we'll be working throughout the next six months to make sure the voices of people affected by blood cancer help shape it.
We're calling for the new strategy to:
- Meaningfully include blood cancer from the very beginning.
- Tackle the growing haematology workforce crisis.
- Improve blood cancer diagnosis and data.
- Expand access to innovative treatments and clinical trials.
- Ensure everyone with blood cancer has the best possible chance of living longer and better after diagnosis.
While the announcement is a welcome step forward, people affected by blood cancer know there is still much more to do.
Nicola Bertorelli is frustrated that Wales lags behind
Blood Cancer UK Ambassador Nic Bertorelli, from Bridgend, who was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in 2024, said:
"The announcement of this 10-year National Cancer Strategy is a major step forward, but what still annoys me is that 99% of the time, plans are put in place in England first. Wales always tends to be the last of the UK nations for things to start progressing and if I'm honest, I'm gutted it'll take until 2027 for this plan to be published.
"People in Wales get blood cancer just like they do in England. My worry is that this plan is too late for those going through blood cancer right now."
Tracey Loftis, Associate Director of Policy and Influencing at Blood Cancer UK, said:
"Today's announcement is a real opportunity to improve outcomes for people affected by blood cancer, but only if blood cancer is built into the strategy from the very beginning.
"Around 58% of blood cancer deaths in Wales are caused by the deadliest blood cancers. While cancer survival has improved dramatically over recent decades, too many people diagnosed with these diseases are still being left behind.
"We'll continue working with the Welsh Government, healthcare professionals and people affected by blood cancer to make sure the new strategy delivers meaningful improvements for everyone affected by blood cancer."
Thank you
Today's announcement is an important milestone, but it isn't the finish line.
Thank you to everyone who contacted election candidates, shared your experiences, responded to our campaigns and helped make the case for change.
Together, we'll keep campaigning until everyone affected by blood cancer in Wales gets the care, treatment and support they deserve.
Join the Involvement Network
If you've been affected by blood cancer and want to improve outcomes for others, join our Involvement Network to receive updates about opportunities to participate in projects.
