JOYCE WATSON AM has welcomed the Assembly Government's new drive to improve cancer services in Wales.
Health Minister EDWINA HART has published a programme of work for the NHS, regional cancer networks and other groups over the next three years to help prevent cancer, improve early detection and increase access to treatment. The programme of work includes:
- a review of genetic testing and surveillance of families at risk of certain cancers to ensure that increasing demand is met;
- a national survey of patients’ experience of the cancer care they received;
- patient groups, cancer networks and the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group to review and make recommendations to the Welsh Assembly Government on further waiting times targets;
- development and implementation of new national standards for children and young people suffering from cancer, rehabilitation, brain cancer and sarcoma; and
- implementation of the HPV vaccination programme to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, starting in September 2008.
JOYCE WATSON AM said:
"I am proud that the Assembly Government has made tackling cancer and improving services for people with cancer one of its main priorities.
“This follows the announcement of an additional £4.5m each year to improve services.
“I am confident that this programme of work will help us make real progress towards our goals of reducing death rates from cancer in those under 75 by 20 per cent by 2012 and achieving comparable five-year survival rates with the best in Europe by 2015."
