Neil Hamilton AM pledges support to fight cancer

NEIL Hamilton, AM for Mid & West Wales and UKIP Leader in Wales, has pledged his continued support in the fight against cancer.

Mr Hamilton, a long-time supporter of any initiatives to fight this disease, is backing calls to improve early diagnosis in Wales.
He said:

“As we came together on World Cancer Day, it was important to remember we all have a vital role in helping to beat cancer and support moves to speed up processes so many more lives can be saved.
“Figures show 600 more people in Wales could survive their cancer by achieving earlier diagnosis. This requires more testing and more diagnostic staff and must be addressed by the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency.

“The importance of early screening is vital and I am totally committed to increasing awareness of all types of cancer and will continue to raise the issue at the Welsh Assembly.
“I am also very aware of the need to find more money to fight this dreadful disease, in all its guises, and fully support any moves to highlight the problem.

“I would urge anyone who is worried that something is wrong, to visit their GP to get themselves checked.”

World Cancer Day was held on February 4 and unites people, communities and entire countries to raise awareness and take action against the disease.

In 2018, more than 18 million people worldwide were diagnosed with cancer and 19,000 each year in Wales.

On World Cancer Day, Cancer Research UK called for a commitment from the Welsh Government to address the gaps in the diagnostic workforce to allow for more testing and improved outcomes for patients in Wales.

The charity claims the number of confirmed cases of cancer will increase to 25,000 per year by 2035, an increase of 6,000 cancer diagnoses from today’s levels.

They are worried about services which are already struggling to keep up with existing patient need, evidenced by consistently off-target waiting times performances and high vacancy rates.

Health Education and Improvement Wales, HEIW and Social Care Wales will be publishing a new health and social workforce strategy shortly. Cancer Research UK says it must include a focus on the diagnostic workforce to address these gaps.

Welsh Government is being urged to develop, adopt and implement a new comprehensive cancer strategy focussing on early diagnosis, access to treatment and clinical trials. This would ultimately improve cancer outcomes in Wales.

CAPTION: Neil Hamilton, AM for Mid & West Wales and UKIP Leader in Wales with his wife, Christine, pledge their support to World Cancer Day.