During the culmination of gynaecological cancer awareness month, Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, closed a debate in the Welsh Parliament which called on the Welsh Government to:
a) urgently conduct a review into gynaecological cancer waiting times;
b) ensure that workforce plans for cancer specialists have a focus on gynaecological health; and
c) immediately introduce its cancer action plan.
Gynaecological cancer has the lowest single cancer pathway performance by tumour site, with less than third of patients being seen within 62 days.
Commenting after the debate, Janet said:
“In July of this year only 34% of gynaecological cancers met the Suspected Cancer Pathway target of 62 days from suspicion to treatment, compared to 40% in February. The Welsh Government’s own target of 75% seems in absolute tatters and the responsibility for the appallingly long wait for cancer treatment lies solely with the Welsh Government.
“Around 12,000 women every year are diagnosed with a Gynaecological cancer, and 470 sadly lose their lives. Research carried out by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, highlighted that 80% of women who work full time cannot get a convenient cervical screening appointment.
“What makes the 470 deaths so tragic is how many could have been avoided if they were able to get a convenient appointment.
“I’ve called on the Welsh Government to conduct a review into waiting times, ensure workforce plans for cancer specialists have a focus on gynaecological health, and the introduction of a cancer action plan”.
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