Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“While it’s positive news that waiting time targets were met this month, we cannot overlook the fact this is for only the third time since December 2020.[1]
“Delays have a devastating impact on people with breast cancer in Wales, as far too many endure long, anxious waits for care they should be able to count on.
“We estimate that if the 62-day target from urgent referral to starting treatment for breast cancer had been met consistently since the standards changed (Dec 2020 – March 2025), over 1,600 more people would have had a timely diagnosis and access to lifesaving treatments.[2]
“It’s also unacceptable that a ‘postcode lottery’ means the length of wait someone faces is determined by where they live, with a 26 percentage point disparity in performance between the highest and lowest performing health boards (March 2025).[3]
“The 62-day performance data is too limited to drive improvements. The Welsh Government and the NHS Executive must now develop targets and publish data for key stages within the suspected cancer pathway to identify and address delays, and be held to account on its performance.[4] For plans to further raise the waiting times target to 80% next year to have any chance of success, the National Cancer Recovery Programme and National Strategic Clinical Network for Cancer must be supported now to tackle the underlying causes of, and to ultimately dramatically cut, breast cancer waiting times.[5]
“We will continue to work with government and NHS in Wales, as we’re doing across the UK, to support vital improvements and ensure more people with breast cancer get the prompt diagnosis they need and deserve.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
[2] Breast Cancer Now analysis of Stats Wales cancer waiting times data: https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/Health-and-Social-Care/NHS-Hospital-Waiting-Times/Cancer-Waiting-Times/Monthly/suspectedcancerpathwayclosedpathways-by-localhealthboard-tumoursite-agegroup-gender-measure-month Between December 2020 – March 2025, 1,664 more people would have received timely treatment had the 75% target for the 62-day standard been met.
[3] Breast Cancer Now analysis of Stats Wales cancer waiting times data. In March 2025 performance of 92.5% in Aneurin Bevan, compared to 66.7% in Hywel Dda.
[4] Audit Wales report says that ‘Welsh Government oversight is narrowly focussed on the 62-day target’. Cancer Services in Wales | Audit Wales, page 50
[5] The Welsh Government’s planned care recovery plan established a new target of 80%, to be reached by 2026.