Cancer Survivor Demands Action on Gynaecological Care Reforms in Wales

A cancer survivor has voiced strong concerns over the slow implementation of health reforms aimed at improving gynaecological cancer care in Wales. Jessica Mason, 43, from Penarth, who was forced to undergo a hysterectomy and early menopause after surviving cervical cancer, highlighted that nearly two years after an inquiry, 15 of the 26 recommendations remain unaddressed.

The inquiry followed the campaign initiated by Claire O’Shea, who tragically passed away from gynaecological cancer in May at the age of 42. O’Shea’s campaign seeks to transform health services for women who often feel dismissed or misdiagnosed.

Ms. Mason, who can no longer have the second child she desired, stated, “Slow progress is as consequential as no progress” for women impacted by the issues identified in the inquiry. She stressed the need for the Welsh Government to not only prioritize gynaecological cancers but also to take swift and effective action.

In a follow-up inquiry on October 15, the Senedd health committee examined the Welsh Government’s response to its recommendations. According to evidence presented by Tenovus Cancer Care, only three recommendations have been fully implemented, while seven are partially addressed and 15 remain unfulfilled.

The charity emphasized the importance of accountability in ensuring that the experiences of women like Judith Rowlands, Ceri Davis, and Claire O’Shea, who have shared their stories and faced tragic outcomes, are not overlooked. Tenovus pointed out significant disparities in waiting times across Wales, likening the chances of receiving timely treatment to “something between a roll of the dice and a coin toss.”

Target Ovarian Cancer also reported that Wales has some of the worst survival rates for ovarian cancer in Europe. Meanwhile, Marie Curie raised alarms about the state of end-of-life care, describing it as being at breaking point. The Royal College of GPs noted that demand for cancer referrals is outpacing diagnostic and treatment capacities, with significant shortages in imaging, ultrasound, and pathology services.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles described the current situation as a “mixed picture.” He acknowledged that waiting times for treatment are not where they should be, stating, “There’s been some improvement but… there’s a long way to go.” Recent statistics indicate that an average of only 32.4% of patients begin treatment within the targeted 62 days, falling significantly short of the 75% goal.

Despite these challenges, Miles admitted that no additional funding has been specifically allocated to meet the recommendations of the health committee. He recognized that the overall experience for women with gynaecological cancer has not yet improved to the desired standard.

Sarah Murphy, responsible for women’s health within the Welsh Government, described the Unheard report as pivotal in raising awareness about gynaecological cancer and the need for women’s voices to be heard. She explained that while the women’s health plan addresses various health inequalities, gynaecological cancer is not specifically included as a priority.

The chief nursing officer for Wales, Sue Tranka, remarked that issues such as women’s pain being dismissed extend beyond gynaecological cancer, indicating a broader cultural problem. This sentiment was echoed in a 2024 Senedd debate, where Plaid Cymru’s Mabon ap Gwynfor criticized the government’s response, suggesting that women are being “gaslit twice” after experiencing medical gaslighting initially.

In light of these developments, advocates and survivors continue to call for immediate actions to ensure that gynaecological cancer care in Wales is improved, reflecting the urgent need for change in the healthcare system.