Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“Today’s report highlights the unacceptable reality that people with secondary breast cancer remain invisible in England and Wales – still not being consistently counted. Urgent action is needed.
“Accurate data on people living with this incurable disease is essential to enabling the NHS to plan how to provide the vital services, treatment, and care they need and deserve.
“In England, the upcoming cancer plan presents a vital opportunity to address this ongoing lack of data and speed up progress for people living with secondary breast cancer. And Wales must provide quarterly reporting to the audit so insights and progress can be better monitored.
“We’re committed to continuing to work with governments and the NHS, researchers, and clinicians to drive the change needed, including developing innovative solutions to getting this data. Because people with secondary breast cancer do not have time to wait.”
ENDS
Notes to editors