North Wales MS Mark Isherwood, who is a member of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Cancer in the Welsh Parliament, has today urged the Welsh Health Minister to act on the recommendation of a new report, for existing cancer awareness campaigns to be expanded to specifically target the most deprived communities in Wales.
The report, “ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL? Inquiry into cancer inequalities in Wales caused by socio-economic deprivation”, which was published last week by the CPG on Cancer, found that those living in the poorest areas of Wales are more at risk of developing cancer and more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.
Speaking in today’s Short Debate in the Welsh Parliament on Cancer Inequalities in Wales, Mr Isherwood urged the Health Minister to act on the recommendation in the report for cancer awareness campaigns to target these areas.
He said:
“It was concerning to learn further about the barriers that those from deprived communities may face during their cancer journey: most importantly when identifying the signs and symptoms of cancer. Recognising these is critical to seeking help from a GP, getting an early diagnosis, and starting treatment, where any delays can have a detrimental impact on health outcomes.
“In light of this, I urge the Health Minister to consider the report’s recommendation of expanding existing cancer awareness campaigns to specifically target the most deprived communities in Wales.
“Can Welsh Government commit to investing in regular cancer awareness campaigns to address the barriers to diagnosis that those from deprived communities face? And will Welsh Government work with Public Health Wales to ensure a roll out of targeted symptom awareness campaigns: to ensure that those from the most deprived communities in Wales are not left behind.”
