Wales gets new cancer strategy

Health Minister for Wales Edwina Hart has announced a new programme to improve cancer services.

Over the next three years the NHS, regional cancer networks and other groups will follow a programme to help prevent cancer, improve early detection and increase access to treatment.

The programme includes a review of genetic testing, further waiting times targets and the implementation of the HPV vaccine to reduce cervical cancer.

The programme follows the publication of 'Designed to Tackle Cancer in Wales' in December 2006. The first set of targets have mainly been achieved, including reducing cancer waiting times and modernising diagnostic  and radiotherapy equipment.

Local health boards and trusts will have to submit delivery plans to their relevant Cancer Network by September 2008 to meet the targets set out. Network chairs will report progress on the delivery plans on a quarterly basis and produce annual reports.

Edwina Hart said: 'Tackling cancer and improving cancer services is one of the Assembly Government's top priorities.

'Our targets are to reduce death rates from cancer in those under 75 by 20 per cent by 2012 and to achieve comparable five-year survival rates with the best in Europe by 2015. The new programme of work that I am announcing today will ensure we make further progress towards achieving those goals.'