7. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Gynaecological cancer

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:53 pm on 28 September 2022.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 4:53, 28 September 2022

Yes. You make a really valid point. I know that when we've done inquiries into obesity in children, we have some of the most shockingly worrying statistics. So, yes, you make a valid point.

Russ George highlighted concerns that we as a group have had these concerns over the past two years and the need that has arisen, and that it's obvious that more tests are part of the solution. According to Cancer Research UK, the incidence rate for gynaecological cancer is significantly higher in Wales, with 72 cases per 100,000 women, compared to the UK average of 68. If that wasn't bad enough, it's been pointed out today that the mortality rate for this cancer is significantly much higher with 26 deaths per 100,000 women, compared to the UK average of 24. And, Jenny, the fact that you recognise that women-related cancers are a major concern, and there is a need for greater prevention, and recognising themselves—we should all, as women, know what to look for, what is normal, what is not normal.

But it isn’t just incidence and deaths in Wales that we're worried about; it's also the waiting times. We understand the impact that the pandemic has had on the provision of services in the NHS, but we know—Rhun made a very valid point that we had some of these problems in our health system prior to the pandemic. In July of this year, only 34 per cent of these cancers met the suspected cancer pathway target of 62 days from suspicion to treatment, compared to 40 per cent in February. So, it’s really worrying that, as we speak, we're seeing a downward spiral. Joyce Watson raised very valid concerns about HPV, and whilst there's been a breakthrough in the vaccines, there are still concerns, going forward. The Welsh Government's own target of 75 per cent and the responsibility for very long waiting times for cancer treatment does lie with the Welsh Government, and I've been really heartened, actually, Minister, to see that you've really listened and taken on board all the comments that the Welsh Conservatives have made, in particular about the immediate introduction of a cancer action plan. And how heartening, again, it is to hear that you are going to be implementing that and quite soon.

We need to ensure that workforce plans for cancer specialists have a focus on gynaecological health, as it does appear that these gynaecological cancers are slipping through the net when it comes to treatment. Other colleagues have stated that the Welsh Government's cancer quality statement really does need to be more clear, with Wales having the largest cancer specialist gap in the UK. I actually echo calls from colleagues for the Welsh Government and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales to work towards a substantial increase in training places, with rapid diagnostic cancer centres rolled out nationwide so that we can ensure that these cancers are detected much earlier. Natasha Asghar, my colleague, pleaded that we need these services more locally and the need to bring forward true equality for women in terms of healthcare. Unfortunately, cancer may always be a scourge on our existence, but it doesn't have to be as bad as it currently is. I believe, after this debate today, that you are taking these concerns forward. It's heartening to hear that you are supporting our motion today—thank you for that, and I say that on behalf of all the group. Buffy Williams, your contribution and mention of the Forget Me Not fund was very relevant indeed. Buffy's not here, but wherever you are.

Anyway, thank you, Minister. Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Thank you for all your contributions, and thank you to my group for introducing this debate. Thank you.