Welsh National Cancer Strategy: Teenage Cancer Trust says young people with cancer must not be overlooked
Teenage Cancer Trust has said that the unique needs of young people with cancer mustn’t be overlooked if the National Cancer Strategy for Wales is to meet its ambitions.
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What is the National Cancer Strategy?
The National Cancer Strategy was announced by the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care of Wales, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS. It aims to tackle the way the health service in Wales diagnoses, treats, and prevents cancer. The National Cancer Strategy will be published to coincide with World Cancer Day on 4 February 2027.
Teenage Cancer Trust are clear that the voices of young people must be listened to in the creation of this Welsh cancer strategy, or risk leaving them behind.
What this means for young people with cancer in Wales
Responding to the announcement, Jules Worrall, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Today’s announcement is a huge step forward to improving cancer care in Wales.
“To achieve real change, it is vital that the unique needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer are not overlooked when the Strategy is being developed. Their voices must be heard.
“Too often, young people fall through the cracks when it comes to policymaking. They are grouped with children or older adults, despite having distinct needs. Young people can face barriers to getting a timely diagnosis, accessing clinical trials, and specialist support.
The plans set out today cannot be achieved without specific actions to drive change for teenagers and young adults with cancer.
“The call for evidence is a chance to learn from best practice, and Teenage Cancer Trust will use this opportunity to share its expertise, showing why young people with cancer need specialist care, and why targeted actions need to be taken to improve outcomes for this age group.
“The plans set out today cannot be achieved without specific actions to drive change for teenagers and young adults with cancer.
“Teenage Cancer Trust is ready to work with the Welsh Government, the NHS Executive and partners to ensure that every young person with cancer receives the treatment and care they deserve, so that no young person faces cancer alone.”
The impact of cancer on young people in Wales
Wales suffers from some of the worst cancer outcomes in Europe. Around 90 young people in Wales hear the words “you have cancer” each year.
Cancer kills more 13–24-year-olds in the UK than any other disease. For those who survive, the impact can be devastating if they do not have the right support.
Teenage Cancer Trust supports young people with cancer across Wales, including funding specialist nurses and Youth Support Coordinators to help with their clinical, social and wellbeing needs, as well as a specialist age-appropriate unit at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
They also work in coalition through the Wales Cancer Alliance with other cancer charities in Wales to influence legislation and keep cancer on the political agenda.