Highest number of colorectal cancer diagnoses in Wales reported in latest figures

Public Health Wales have today published the latest cancer incidence stats for 2019, showing the highest number of colorectal cancer diagnoses on record.

2,513 colorectal cancers were diagnosed in 2019, almost 200 cases higher than 2018. This 8.6% increase in cases has resulted in the largest number of colorectal cancers diagnosed in a single year since records began in 2002.

Colorectal cancer remains the fourth most common cancer in Wales, although this large rise in cases means it sits just behind the country’s third most common, lung cancer (2,515 diagnoses), and shows the increasing demand for colorectal cancer diagnostic services prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Detecting bowel cancer early saves lives, but the information released by Public Health Wales shows that early diagnosis remains a problem. Fewer than 40% of bowel cancers are discovered at an early stage (stages 1 and 2) compared to over 55% diagnosed at stages 3 and 4, where chances of survival drops significantly.*

Income inequality continues to have an impact on bowel cancer rates. Data from 2017-2019 shows the rate of diagnosis per 100,000 people is 13% higher in the most deprived areas of Wales compared to the least deprived.

Gerard McMahon, Head of External Affairs (Devolved Nations) for Bowel Cancer UK, says: “These shocking figures released by Public Health Wales show the ongoing challenges faced by NHS Wales as bowel cancer cases increase.

“Early diagnosis is vital - bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer, but this drops significantly as the disease develops. This data shows early diagnosis remains a very real problem that must be addressed.

“This data doesn’t cover the period where health services were impacted by the pandemic, but it still shows the very real problems that the Welsh Government must address. Raising public awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, encouraging greater engagement in the bowel screening programme and tackling long-standing health inequalities are key to early detection of bowel cancer to increase survival rates.”

* Approximately 5-6% were diagnosed at an unknown stage. 

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