Next week, on February 4th, we will mark World Cancer Awareness Day. This major global event is held every year to improve understanding about cancer, its prevention, early diagnosis, and the need for improved services, care and support for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
It's also a time to reflect and remember all those we have lost to cancer.
In most cases, cancer survival depends on how quickly you are diagnosed and how soon treatment can begin.
When cancer care is delayed or inaccessible there is a lower chance of survival, greater problems associated with treatment and higher costs of care.
Early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage and is therefore an important public health strategy in all settings.
Quite simply, receiving an early diagnosis and starting treatment quickly saves lives.
It is therefore deeply concerning that the Welsh Government's targets for starting cancer treatment in Wales are still not being met - some four years on from when they were first introduced. In fact, just four out of every 10 patients do not start their treatment within the 62-day target of cancer first being suspected - the target is 75 per cent being able to start their treatment.
Challenging the First Minister over these figures in the Senedd last week, I referred to one of my constituents who was delayed treatment for his prostate cancer.
After visiting his GP back in March of last year, he did not get access to the operation he needed until 158 days later in August.
The health professionals monitoring him picked up a significant rise in his PSA levels at the beginning of December and tests confirmed his worst fears, 'aggressive prostate cancer.'
When I raised this is the Senedd, he still hadn't started treatment because the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, under the Welsh Government's watch, failed to effectibly plans for the continuity of PET/CT scanning services following the end of a contract. This has resulted in cancer patients facing serious delays for life-saving treatment.
Another thing that cancer patients in Wales, particularly prostate cancer patients, are experiencing is the inadequate access to modern cancer-busting drugs.
Over many years I have repeatedly called for a specific cancer drugs fund in Wales to enable cancer patients to have access to innovative drugs when they need them, but the Welsh Government has resisted these calls.
With one in three of us set to get cancer, it is vital that the Welsh Government take action to ensure that all cancer patients in Wales are given the best chance of survival. That starts with early diagnosis and speedy access to scans, surgery and treatment.
Every delay cancer patients face fuels fear and allows disease to progress unchecked.
Early access to cancer treatment isn't a luxury, it's the difference between a cure and a death sentence.