🚨 Urgent: Cancer Delays in Wales Need Change! 🚨
Branwen Hywel bravely shares her story of battling cancer and the devastating delays she faced for diagnosis and treatment. 🎗️ As a former head teacher from Anglesey, Branwen experienced over 18 months of uncertainty, going back and forth to medical professionals with symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling before her stage 3B lung cancer was diagnosed in 2018.
Branwen’s story isn’t unique. New research reveals over 20,000 people in Wales have waited too long for cancer treatment since targets were set by the Welsh Government more than six years ago. Cancer Research UK is raising the alarm, calling for immediate action to reduce these delays and improve cancer care in Wales.
🏥 The goal? Ensure 75% of patients start cancer treatment within 62 days of diagnosis. But as of 2025, only 61% managed to start on time. While some cancers meet the target, there’s a huge gap in others – illustrating a dire need for stronger NHS resources and a comprehensive cancer plan for Wales.
Branwen, now a volunteer with Cancer Research UK, emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and urges anyone with suspicions to speak up and keep seeking help. Her experience underlines the emotional turmoil and stress delays can cause on families.
“Nobody should be left waiting months wondering what’s happening,” she passionately states. And with the upcoming Senedd elections, Cancer Research UK is pushing for urgent policy changes, so no one in Wales has to fear prolonged waits for life-saving treatment again.
Let’s hope for a future where cancer services are robust, waits are a thing of the past, and early diagnosis is commonplace. 💪 Together, let’s demand better for all those affected!
🔄 Share if you agree it’s time to turn the corner on cancer care in Wales! #CancerCare #TimeForChange #WelshHealth
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