HEALTH spokespeople from the main political parties gathered at the Senedd in a hustings event with people affected by and living with cancer, organised by Macmillan Cancer Support.

People living with cancer, Macmillan professionals, and health spokespeople including Mabon ap Gwynfor MS (Plaid Cymru), James Evans MS (Reform UK), Peter Fox MS (Welsh Conservatives), Callum Higgins (Welsh Labour) and Ian Chandler (Green Party) came together at The Senedd on Tuesday, March 24 to discuss cancer care in Wales.

While a range of topics were covered, the message from many was clear: Wales needs a strategic, long‑term plan if outcomes are to improve.

Deep inequalities persist, with the Welsh Government’s own figures showing people in the most deprived areas of Wales facing a 52 per cent higher risk of dying from cancer than those in the least deprived.

Further official data has shown that cancer waiting times are at risk of stagnating in 2026, with January showing the worst monthly performance for more than a year. Just 57 per cent of people started treatment within 62 days from first being suspected of having cancer. (The target is 75 per cent).

This is why in the buildup to the Senedd election on Thursday 7 May, Macmillan Cancer Support is calling for a holistic, person-centred 10-year National Cancer Strategy, with a dedicated Minister of Cancer, a revolution in digital infrastructure and a well-supported cancer workforce.

Rhian Stangroom-Teel, Macmillan’s External Affairs Manager for Wales (pictured), said:

“The problem is that services here have grown organically, leading to a fragmented system with unwarranted variations, unclear accountability and persistent missed targets.

“There are pockets of incredible good practice, and NHS staff do fantastic work to provide as excellent a service as they can. But they are doing it in the absence of a long-term strategic plan.”