Our response to the Wales National Cancer Strategy

The Welsh Government is developing a new National Cancer Strategy for Wales, which is due to be published on World Cancer Day 2027 (4 February). Wales is currently the only UK nation without a dedicated cancer strategy, so this is a welcome opportunity to put that right for people across Wales and build on the progress and hard work already happening across Welsh cancer services.  

Through the Wales Cancer Alliance, we have been working with other charities to call for a long-term, ambitious strategy. To inform the strategy, we have submitted evidence informed by experts in Wales and our patient community.  

Bowel cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in Wales, but it is preventable and treatable, especially if diagnosed early. We have therefore called on the Welsh Government to prioritise four areas in the strategy: 

1. Earlier diagnosis, through screening and symptomatic pathways, including reducing avoidable emergency diagnoses.  
2. Identification and management of people with Lynch syndrome.  
3. Timely access to effective treatment and evidence-based innovation, including better and accessible data across Wales.  
4. Support people to live well with bowel cancer and its long-term and late effects.  

To make this happen, Wales needs: 

• enough trained staff; 

• better data on how people are diagnosed and cared for; 

• faster use of new research and treatments; 

• action to close the gaps in care and outcomes between different communities. 

The publication and delivery of the strategy should set out a long-term, ambitious approach to cancer diagnosis, treatment and care for Wales, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and ensuring they are supported through every step of the pathway. 

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “A national strategy is essential to improve outcomes for bowel cancer patients in Wales in the long term. We welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to address this gap with a National Cancer Strategy for Wales, and have submitted evidence to inform its development.  

"Working with experts and clinicians, we have emphasised the need for bowel cancer to have a distinct focus within the strategy, as the second biggest cancer killer in Wales.  

“The Welsh Government must ensure that the strategy is supported with strong leadership, clear accountability and delivery timelines, support for NHS Wales staff and sustained funding, alongside partnership with charities.  

"We look forward to the publication of the strategy on World Cancer Day 2027 and  

stand ready to work with the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and partners to save more lives from bowel cancer.  

“We will continue to champion these priorities and drive progress across all the UK nations, ensuring that bowel cancer improvements reach everyone.” 

Other National Cancer Plans across the UK: 

• National Cancer Plan for England (2026)  

• National Cancer Strategy for Scotland (2023) 

• Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland (2022)  

• Read our full submission 

• See our other policy reports and consultations
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