100,000 people in Wales – nearly double the previous estimate of 60,000 - are now living with and after cancer, according to new research released by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Previously it was estimated that 1.2m people in the UK were living with and beyond cancer, however new figures show the number is closer to 2m people.
Macmillan commissioned the research after growing concern that official records of cancer ‘survivors’ were not accurate, and health services were only recognising the side effects of cancer treatment, and not the long term effects.
Macmillan also has evidence that cancer survivors in Wales are falling under the radar and as cases of cancer continue to rise and deaths fall, the number of survivors will grow significantly over the coming decade.
A recent cancer patient survey by Macmillan in Wales found that 43% of patients had wanted practical help, such as help with shopping and housework, but only one in five were told where they could find it, and a disappointing one in nine of these did not receive the help they needed.
A quarter of patients surveyed wanted information to help them manage their finances, including accessing benefits and support with increased transport costs, but a third of them did not get the information they needed.
The figures and survey results come as the Welsh Assembly Government prepares to launch the second phase of its three year cancer strategy, Designed to Tackle Cancer in Wales.
Cath Lindley, General Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said:
'Our research has revealed that more people are living with the effects of cancer in Wales but we have evidence that the practical day-to-day needs of many of them are currently not being met.'
'The Welsh Assembly Government must now ensure that the second phase of Designed to Tackle Cancer in Wales addresses the needs of the 100,000 cancer survivors living in Wales by requiring local health and social care authorities and the voluntary sector to put in place the teams and services needed to meet the long term needs of those who have had cancer.'
Macmillan believes that every cancer survivor in Wales should be offered a comprehensive package of care which reaches far beyond hospital care, providing emotional, financial and practical support for people living with cancer.
Cath Lindley added:
'It is great news that more people are living after a cancer diagnosis and earlier diagnosis and improved treatment means that more people are living beyond the end of their treatment. But these people often experience new difficulties; socially, at work, with further related health problems and dealing with the emotional scars of fighting the disease. The Welsh Assembly Government needs to put measures in place to ensure the NHS, Social Services and the voluntary sector can work together to provide services that tackle these issues and provide the support needed by everyone affected by cancer.'