The Welsh Government has missed its own target for treating urgent cases of suspected cancer.
Figures published today show 87 per cent of 459 patients newly diagnosed with cancer via the ‘Urgent Suspected Cancer’ route started definitive treatment within the target time of 62 days.
It means 60 people waited over the recommended time during the three months to the end of July.
The agreed target is 95 per cent.
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said:
"Many of us have experience of a cancer diagnosis, either in the family or amongst friends. It can be a terrifying experience and getting treatment as soon as possible is critical. Long delays are frightening and only add to the strain, pressure and fear.
"This is a target that hasn’t been met once since the current First Minister took up his role and that’s got to change if we’re to properly fight cancer in Wales.
"Implementation of the All-Wales Action Plan must be sped up and ministers should be working closely with health boards to look at ways to start treatment more promptly.
"We also need the health minister to look very closely at our calls for a Cancer Treatments Fund, which would end the postcode lottery in access to cancer drugs and other treatments."