Nine Welsh cancer charities have called on the party or parties that form the next government to develop a cancer strategy for Wales. A Plaid AM has backed their call.
Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks attended an event at the Senedd and listened to their call. Following the meeting he raised the issue during Health Questions in the Chamber.
Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks said: “The recent Macmillan Cancer Support report that warns that the number of people living with or after cancer in Wales is set to double over the next 20 years. It describes the current system as ill-equipped to deal with this increase. This clearly highlights the need for a national cancer plan. In the next Assembly term we will bring forward a National Plan for cancer and chronic illnesses. We will also protect free prescriptions.
“When Plaid entered government we put a stop to Labour’s disastrous hospital downgrading plan and protected your vital local health services. But we know that our national health service can be even better. A Plaid government will help you see a doctor or dentist when you need to – for example increasing the availability and out-of-hours provision of GP services where needed.“
For a better health service Plaid is promoting a policy to introduce a national plan for cancer and chronic illnesses:
- In the next government, Plaid will refocus resources and invest a record amount of money in creating a world class care system for people living with cancer and chronic conditions, including stroke survivors and those with heart disease.
- Our patient-centred approach will rely on one-to-one personal care through a key worker and advice from the point of diagnosis. Patients will be supported in making decisions about their social needs, such as income and housing, as well as improving their medical experience and outcomes.
- We will protect free prescriptions.
- We know that they benefit everyone in Wales, especially those who have chronic illnesses.
Cath Lindley, chair of the Wales Cancer Alliance, speaking at the event in the Senedd, said:
“Cancer remains one of the biggest killers in Wales, yet for many, thanks to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment, it is a chronic condition that requires long-term support. One in three people will develop cancer in their lifetime and the number of people diagnosed is rising every year.
“The Alliance is calling on all political parties to include a commitment in their manifesto to develop a national cancer strategy for Wales to drive up the standard of cancer care. We need an overarching and comprehensive strategy to drive improvement in cancer services along the whole pathway – from prevention to end of life.”
Latest figures show that South Wales Central has benefited from the £75 million spent on cancer services in Cardiff, the Vale, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr.
The Wales Cancer Alliance (WCA) promotes the best cancer prevention, treatment, research and care for people in Wales. Every year they invest more than £20m in Wales and contribute to the development of cancer policy.
The alliance consists of Breast Cancer Care Cymru, Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research Wales, CLIC Sargent, Independent Hospices Cymru, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie’s, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Tenovus.
