MACMILLAN Cancer Support in Wales would like to thank all of those cancer patients who took the time to respond to the Wales cancer patients experience survey and enabled us to capture the voice of the patient.

This is the first time in the UK that detailed analysis of comments made by cancer patients about their treatment and care has been conducted.

It provides us with a powerful insight and richer understanding of the patient experience of cancer care in Wales.

Cancer patients had concerns around initial identification of symptoms, staff shortages and the provision of too little information and support.

But there were also high levels of satisfaction expressed around surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and praise for specialist nurses.

The Welsh Government’s Cancer Delivery Plan is two-years old and cancer patients have told us that not everybody receives a holistic assessment of their needs, a written care plan, a treatment plan nor are allocated a key worker.

Action is needed now to ensure the government, health boards and trusts in Wales work together to turn policy commitments into reality for cancer patients.

Macmillan has responded to the results of this cancer patients’ experience survey by calling on the Welsh Government to ensure the promises made in its Cancer Delivery Plan for Wales are fully implemented.

An academic research team at the University of Southampton analysed the comments made by 4,672 cancer patients about their NHS treatment and care in Wales. The Macmillan summary and the full report can be found on our website - http://bit.ly/WalesCPES

Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face. But you don’t have to go through it alone – the Macmillan team is here for you every step of the way.

So call us free on 0808 808 0000 or visit macmillan.org.uk

Susan Morris

General Manager for Wales

Macmillan Cancer Support