Cancer patients in Wales asked for views on their care during the pandemic

Patients treated for cancer in Wales in 2020 are being asked to share their experiences during the pandemic year in the latest ‘Wales Cancer Patient Experience Survey’.

The survey, which opened on Wednesday 20 October, wants to ask 11,000 people who were treated for cancer in 2020 to share their views in order to shape future cancer care and pinpoint what is working well and where improvements need to be made.

Funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Wales Cancer Network, and carried out by Quality Health, the survey will ask people about many aspects of their care from how they were diagnosed to the care they had when their treatment ended.

Those asked to take part can complete the survey in English or in Welsh and can complete it on paper or online using details on their invitation letter.

Claire Birchall, Wales Cancer Network Manager said: “Understanding the experiences of patients is always an essential factor in planning and improving cancer services, and is as important an outcome measure as survival and quality of life.

“The rapid changes we needed to make in response to the pandemic, however, means that the perspectives of patients who were diagnosed and treated over the last year are particularly important as we evaluate the effectiveness of the measures we took, and also understand the impact of the pandemic on cancer patient’s experiences at such a challenging time.

“I urge everyone who receives the survey to complete it so we can gather this vital information.”

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, comments: “Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Wales. Almost 2,300 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year in Wales.

We know it has been incredibly tough for bowel cancer patients during the pandemic however this is your chance to be heard and help improve services. I encourage anyone who has been asked to fill out the survey to take part.”

• Those taking part in the survey who have questions can call 0800 783 1775 or find out more by visiting myonlinesurvey.co.uk/WCPES/

• Find out more about our work in Wales