Rising demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment is a significant challenge for NHS Wales.

Health boards and trusts are responsible for planning and delivering services to diagnose and treat cancer patients to achieve national targets. The Welsh Government is responsible for setting the national direction, supporting delivery, and holding health boards and trusts to account for their performance.

Performance varies across Wales, but no health board has met the current waiting time target for cancer diagnosis and treatment since 2020.

Despite increased investment, there is a continuing failure to meet the national performance targets for cancer with a minority of patients facing unacceptably long waits for diagnosis and/or treatment.

Stronger and clearer national leadership is urgently needed to help drive the necessary improvements in the timeliness and sustainability of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

For anyone who may be affected by the content of our report, there are many charities supporting cancer patients and their families in Wales. Details can be found at Wales Cancer Alliance [opens in new window].

View our video transcript in English [PDF opens in new window]