Written question WQ92319

A total of 1917 people on the suspected cancer pathway started their first definitive treatment in January 2024, an increase of almost 20% compared to December 2023. Of these, 1049 people started their treatment within 62 days of the first suspicion of cancer. Over the same period, 14,012 people were informed they do not have cancer, a 15% increase compared to December 2023.

Health boards have reported increasing numbers of cancer referrals, with an increase of almost 30% in the number of people referred onto the suspected cancer pathway in January 2024 compared to the previous month. They have also reported reduced capacity due to a range of factors, including the impact of recent industrial action. Plans have been put in place by health boards to prioritise cancer services and minimise impact during periods of industrial action, however capacity lost during these periods has unfortunately resulted in some delays in the pathway.

Health boards continue to work to reduce the number of patients who have waited beyond the 62-day target and have actions in place including additional waiting list initiatives, weekend working, and moving staff and patients around where possible to minimise waiting times across the pathway.

The Welsh Government continues to invest in cancer services to build new facilities; increase the number of training places for specialists in cancer diagnosis, treatment and palliative care; and provide earlier diagnosis and rapid access to high quality cancer care to ensure people receive the right treatment as quickly as possible. In January 2023, I announced £86m for new cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities and in December 2023, I approved a £2m allocation, for three consecutive years, to support the planned care programme of the NHS Executive to recover cancer waiting times.