Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies MP joined Macmillan Cancer Support on Wednesday (13th September) to find out more about the issues the cancer care system is facing in the constituency and across North Wales.
This year’s annual Coffee Morning event at Westminster, attended by over 170 MPs, asked, ‘What Are We Waiting For?’, highlighting Macmillan’s new campaign, which is calling for urgent action on cancer delays.
In June 2023, 59.7% of people started treatment at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer. The national target is set at 75%, rising to 80% by 2026.
Between January and June 2023, 992 people with cancer waited more than 62 days to start treatment at this Local Health Board. Across 2022, 1,796 people starting treatment waited more than 62 days.
Approximately 6,100 people are living with cancer in Denbighshire and Macmillan predicts this will reach 9,900 by 2030.
At the event, James had the opportunity to hear from people living with cancer and cancer professionals about the impact of these delays.
James said,
“Macmillan Cancer Support’s Coffee Morning is a fantastic annual fixture in the parliamentary calendar, and I was pleased to show my support.
“Delays in getting a cancer diagnosis and starting treatment can lead to people’s cancer continuing to grow and spread and can also jeopardise their physical and mental health, restrict their treatment options, and potentially reduce their chances of survival.
"I found it compelling to discuss the cancer waiting times facing my constituents with Macmillan. It is unacceptable that only 59.7% of people started treatment at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board within 62 days of first being suspected of cancer, and that across 2022, 1,796 people starting treatment waited more than 62 days.
“I would urge my constituents to join Macmillan’s campaign for action on waiting times, and to sign up to show their support at www.macmillan.org.uk/whatarewewaitingfor
“I would also encourage them to help raise vital funds for Macmillan by supporting or hosting a Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee morning event this September.
“A Coffee Morning can be whatever you want it to be. It could be at home, on your driveway, a hall or online, whatever suits you best. You can hold a garden get together and throw a barbeque, or treat your colleagues to some homemade bakes, or even get together with friends for a takeaway.
“The official date for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Friday 29 September, but this doesn't mean you can't host at other times of the year! You can host your coffee morning whenever suits you best.
“World’s Biggest Coffee Morning help fund Macmillan’s work in Wales, including funding or nurses, physiotherapists, welfare benefits advisors and its information centres in some of North Wales’ hospitals, as well as campaigning for better cancer care for patients.
“Macmillan provide vital support to patients and their families across North Wales, and in 2022 Macmillan Support Line service supported 181 people in Denbighshire.
“Registrations for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning 2023 are open, all you have to do is sign up to receive your free fundraising kit; visit: Coffee Morning | Macmillan Cancer Support”.
