New report shines light on cancer inequalities in Wales

Those living in the poorest areas of Wales are more at risk of developing cancer and more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, according to a new report published today by the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Cancer in the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament).

The report also highlights that people living in more deprived communities in Wales, are less likely to participate in cancer screening. For bowel screening, uptake is 15 percentage points lower in the most deprived areas compared to more affluent communities.  

More than 900 people die from bowel cancer every year in Wales, making it the second biggest cancer killer. But it doesn’t need to be this way as it’s treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives if diagnosed at the earliest stage, but this drops significantly as the disease develops.

Our key headlines from the All Things Being Equal report:

• The lack of data surrounding deprivation and other inequalities mean it is difficult to assess the impact such inequalities have on cancer pathways, and we therefore support the calls from this report that the Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and Wales Cancer Network commit to collecting and publishing more comprehensive data.
• We support the calls for Health Boards to ensure that accessible cancer information is received, including appropriate signposting to third sector organisations.
• Flexibility in appointments will ensure that individuals who find it more difficult to take time off work or use public transport are more likely to be able to attend, and we therefore support the calls for this.
• We support calls for regular cancer awareness campaigns, which seek to address cancer inequalities and tackling barriers to contacting a GP. Similarly, we also support the calls for community-based awareness campaigns targeted towards addressing barriers to accessing cancer screening for sub-population groups that currently have low uptake rates.

Gerard McMahon, Head of Policy and Influencing (Devolved Nations) at Bowel Cancer UK, who gave evidence as part of the CPG on Cancer inquiry, says: “This report paints a toxic picture for people living in poorer areas of Wales, who are less likely to know the symptoms of bowel cancer or take part in bowel screening, with some people more likely to be at risk of the disease because of their lifestyle choices. 

“No one should be more likely to be diagnosed and die from bowel cancer, and other cancers, due to where they live or their income. We welcome the recommendations in the report, and we look forward to working with the Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and Wales Cancer Network, to close the deprivation gap in the country. It’s only by working together we can save more lives.”

• Read the executive summary of the All Things Being Equal report, and in Welsh
• Find out more about our work in Wales
• Knowing the symptoms of bowel cancer could save your life