9. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Cancer Services Improvement Plan

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:28 pm on 31 January 2023.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 6:28, 31 January 2023

Thanks very much. I think we've got to be aware that one in two people are likely to get cancer, and so we're all touched by cancer in some way or another. And so, it is important that we do our very best to get a better understanding. Every day, we're getting new developments, new technologies and new genetic improvements. So, all of these things I hope will make sure that we just keep on improving the performance in this area. 

Early diagnosis is absolutely key. That is true, of course, for gynae cancers, and I'm particularly concerned about the rates in relation to gynae cancers. I know that this will be something that the team across Wales will be looking at and be focusing on. Screening, of course, is absolutely key when it comes to making sure that people take up that opportunity of screening, and that we chase down—in the same way that we've chased down people who haven't had their vaccinations, we need to think about doing that in relation to screening as well. 

You're absolutely right—I am very concerned that the healthcare system needs to make sure that they treat women, fairly, correctly, and in a way that is respectful to women as well as men. That's why we've already produced the women's health quality statement, and you're quite right, I think there's a lot more that we could all do in terms of learning what to look out for when it comes to symptom awareness. Some of the charities that have certainly been talking to me as we've been developing this plan, they are really good at raising awareness, but I think all of us have a responsibility to try and learn a bit more about what we should be looking out for. But the point is that, actually, we know our own bodies; if there is a change, we just need to be sensitive to that change and make sure that we go and get some support.