Concerning Wales cancer audit shows bowel cancer patients waiting too long for treatment
Tuesday 14 January 2025
A new report looking at cancer services in Wales has revealed that patients are waiting too long to start treatment.
Audit Wales looked at a review of the strategic approach to improving timely diagnosis and treatment in cancer services across the country.
We're concerned by the findings in the report which shows that despite increased investment into cancer services, many people are waiting too long for crucial tests to diagnose or rule out bowel cancer. Early diagnosis saves lives and it's important this is addressed urgently.
Key points highlighted by the report include:
- Bowel screening has been expanded to thousands of more people across Wales, but only 21% of patients were offered a timely colonoscopy if required. The target is 90%
- Fewer than half of bowel cancer patients start their treatment within the 62 day target, while a quarter of bowel cancer patients are waiting over 106 days to begin treatment for their cancer
- Long standing gaps in key cancer workforce, such as clinical oncologists and pathologists, are impacting the NHS’ ability to meet cancer waiting times, improve patient experience and increase early diagnosis of the disease
This report shows that the plans to improve cancer services and outcomes for Wales require clarity and must be supported by effective leadership and oversight. The role of the Welsh Government and NHS Executive in overseeing improvement of cancer services needs to be clearer. It's evident that long term and funded policies help improve cancer outcomes and increase survival.
There is also a lack of understanding on how the national Cancer Improvement Plan for Wales, published in 2023, is linked to other national plans for cancer. The Welsh Government needs to publicly explain this and set out how it intends to hold NHS bodies to account for delivery of the Cancer Improvement Plan.
Four in ten cancers can be prevented in Wales each year. We support Audit Wales’ call to see a more strategic approach to population health and disease prevention. It would help save lives and reduce pressure on NHS resources by tackling lifestyle factors that increase the risk of some cancers, including bowel, developing in the first place.
Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Bowel Cancer UK, said: “These findings from Audit Wales are concerning. Early diagnosis is strongly linked with survival of bowel cancer, so it’s important patients with suspected bowel cancer can be seen quickly.
“The work done by the NHS to lower the bowel cancer screening age to 50 in Wales could be hugely beneficial and will help pick up more bowel cancers earlier. But right now, less than a quarter of people referred for colonoscopy, after a positive screening test, are being seen within national waiting times targets.
"With less than half of all bowel cancer patients starting treatment within the 62 day target, more must be done to improve the waiting times for key tests and treatment for bowel cancer.”
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