Written question WQ99281

This Government’s commitment to develop a National Cancer Plan reflects our determination to improve cancer care and outcomes. The plan will set out an ambitious future for cancer care in Wales and give the NHS the clarity it needs to focus on this set of conditions and to deliver better services for the people of Wales.

We are working at pace as part of our 100-day commitments to bring forward our plans, and I will update Members ahead of summer recess to confirm our intentions and outline how stakeholders will be engaged in its development. I intend to publish the plan in February 2027 to coincide with World Cancer Day. We will then work closely with the NHS and wider partners to support delivery of its key priorities.

In relation to data, the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WCISU) already collects and publishes information on cancer incidence, mortality and survival, including for leukaemia. Its Cancer Reporting Tool also provides data for each of the four main types of leukaemia. We recognise that high-quality data and intelligence is integral to understanding variation in access, treatment and survival, and ultimately improving cancer outcomes.

The National Cancer Plan will be developed to support improvements in outcomes for people affected by cancer in Wales, irrespective of cancer type, and will therefore be as relevant to people with leukaemia as it will be to those affected by other cancers. However, responsibility for planning and delivering services for people with leukaemia rests with NHS organisations.

By addressing challenges across cancer pathways and driving service improvement in line with clinical standards, the National Cancer Plan will support the NHS to deliver high-quality, equitable and person-centred cancer care, helping to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer in Wales.