Responding to the Welsh Government’s announcement of a new National Cancer Strategy for Wales, Marie Curie Cymru Public Affairs Manager, Dr Tomos Evans, said:
"As a leading end of life charity, Marie Curie Cymru welcome today's update from the Cabinet Minister for Health and Care on a National Cancer Strategy for Wales. This is a significant opportunity to improve care and support for people living with terminal cancer and those close to them.
“Too often, palliative and end of life care is seen as something that only matters in the final days or weeks of life. For many people diagnosed with terminal cancer, access to palliative care, which can be provided for months or even years, can make a profound difference - helping to manage pain and symptoms, improve quality of life, support families and ensure people receive care in the place
that is right for them.
"The new strategy must have clear ambitions around improving palliative and end of life care for those affected by terminal cancer and support existing work to better the system more broadly.
"We are ready and willing to work with the Cabinet Minister to ensure that the new strategy meets the needs of people facing terminal cancer, ensuring timely and equitable access to care for everyone who needs it.”