Cancer Research UK logo.
SearchDonate
  • Search
A split screen image with the Senedd, Wales on the left and a doctor and a patient hugging on the right.

A turning point for cancer in Wales

On 7 May 2026, Wales will hold a Senedd election. Do you live in Wales? Your voice is powerful. Help put cancer in the spotlight.

Join the campaign

Cymraeg

Gallwch ddarllen y cynnwys hwn yn y Gymraeg.

Darllen yn y Gymraeg

We’re calling on all political parties to act

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Wales, affecting families everywhere. That’s why we need all political parties to commit to achieving the long-term policy change needed for people affected by cancer.

This election could be a turning point for cancer in Wales. But we need your help.

Saving around 5,500 lives between now and 2040

We’ve made huge progress on cancer in the last 50 years. Yet, in Wales, there is no long-term plan to tackle cancer, the NHS is struggling to meet rising demand, and there are clear inequalities in cancer outcomes.

That’s why, in September, we set out four key actions that the next Welsh Government can take to help save around 5,500 lives between now and 2040

.

Our key actions:

Icon_UK countries map Wales navy highlight magenta.

Deliver a long-term cancer strategy

When it comes to beating cancer, well supported, long-term cancer strategies are key to success. That’s why we need a national cancer strategy in Wales that sets out a long-term plan for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research.

Icon_doctor_navy.

Support the NHS to deliver cancer services

The cancer workforce works hard to deliver cancer services for people right across Wales - however, they continue to work in increasingly challenging conditions. We must strengthen the NHS in Wales by supporting GPs and increasing capacity within the cancer workforce, making sure they’re equipped with essential kit and cutting-edge technologies. This includes improving data collection and long-term workforce planning.

icon_no_smoking_02_navy.

Combat lung cancer

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in Wales. With tobacco being the biggest cause of lung cancer, preventing these cancers from happening in the first place is vital. To combat lung cancer, the Welsh Government must implement the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, strengthen stop smoking services, and roll out a lung cancer screening programme across Wales.

Navy stats icon.

Back research

Research is key to provide us with better cancer prevention, earlier diagnosis, and more effective treatments. The Welsh Government can support this by investing in Welsh universities and strengthening innovation to get new tests, treatments, and technologies into the healthcare system more quickly.

Our manifesto

A photo of two women walking on the beach laughing and hugging.

Longer, better lives: A manifesto for cancer research and care in Wales

Read our manifesto to learn more about the policy change that we are calling for.

A sign reads 'Together we are beating cancer'.

How Scotland and Wales can save thousands of lives from cancer

Scotland could save around 10,100 lives and Wales could save around 5,500 with urgent, focused action against cancer, according to our latest analysis.

Other ways to get involved

Become a Campaigns Ambassador

This election period and beyond, Campaigns Ambassadors in Wales are needed more than ever to help connect with local politicians, share compelling stories, and spread the word about our campaign to improve cancer outcomes.

Volunteer with us

References

  1. Arrow return up icon