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Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death. Our policies aim to address this through formal targets and national standards.

These standards were published in June 2005, and relate to the 10 major types of cancer:

  • breast;
  • colorectal;
  • lung;
  • gynaecological;
  • upper gastrointestinal;
  • urological;
  • haematological;
  • head and neck;
  • thyroid; and
  • skin (as well as specialist palliative care). 

The National Cancer Standards for Sarcoma Services (2009) and National Cancer Standards for the Rehabilitation of Adults with Cancer (2010)  have also been developed. They represent the elements of cancer care that patients should expect to receive.  

The standards emphasise waiting times from referral to the start of treatment ensuring that patients receive treatment for cancer quickly.

Patients referred by their GP as urgent with suspected cancer and confirmed by the cancer specialist should begin treatment within two months of receipt of referral at the hospital, if diagnosed.

Any patients who are not initially referred as an urgent suspected cancer, but who are subsequently diagnosed with cancer should begin their treatment within one month of diagnosis.  

Compliance

The standards are subject to regular scrutiny to ensure they represent best clinical practice and guidance and are in keeping with cancer standards produced by the rest of the United Kingdom.

Progress

Three Cancer networks have been set up to cover:

  • North Wales;
  • Mid and South West Wales; and
  • South East Wales.

They are made up of organisations responsible for providing cancer services.

Their focus is on the patient journey from GP referral to the receipt of appropriate treatment and the sharing of best practices across the three network areas.

A chief cancer adviser and clinician advise the government on the strategic development of cancer services.

The Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group brings clinical and other NHS interests together to support and advise the  government and cancer networks.  

Cancer Services Coordinating Group (external link)

North Wales Cancer Network (external link)

South East Wales Cancer Network (external link)

South West Wales Cancer Network (external link)