The Welsh Government has today announced its approach to developing a new cancer plan for Wales.
Wednesday 15th July 2026
The Welsh Government has today announced its approach to developing a new cancer plan for Wales.
In a landmark announcement, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, confirmed that the Welsh Government would be producing a ten-year National Cancer Strategy to transform how cancer is prevented, diagnosed and treated in Wales.
The announcement included a specific reference that work has begun on scoping a new travel and accommodation statutory fund for children and young people attending cancer appointments.
In response to the news, Latch’s CEO, Menai Owen-Jones said: “We welcome the Welsh Government’s commitment to developing a long-term strategy for cancer in Wales to improve outcomes for patients.
As a charity supporting children with cancer and their families here in Wales, today is a milestone moment with the announcement that work has begun on scoping a new statutory travel fund to help families. We, alongside other sector partners, have been calling for a statutory fund like this to be introduced in Wales.
The impact of cancer is much more than medical – it affects every aspect of life. Every day at Latch we see the stress and strain on families caused by extra financial costs of cancer, such as the costs of travelling to treatment. As a charity that is funded by public donations we do what we can to provide financial help for Latch families.
However, all children and young people with cancer in Wales should have support with travel costs and this should be state funded by the Welsh government to ensure that travel costs are not a barrier and every child and young person can access cancer treatment.”
Latch, alongside other members of the Wales Cancer Alliance Children and Young People’s Subgroup and sector partners, recently signed an open letter to the First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health calling on the Welsh Government to prioritise children and young people with cancer: Dear First Minister, will you prioritise children and young people with cancer in Wales | Young Lives vs Cancer The letter gained significant support and was signed by more than 1,200 supporters.
The Welsh Government has said that there will be a formal call for evidence soon to shape the new Strategy with an opportunity for patients, carers, clinicians, charities and the public to participate.
Latch will be continuing to work with Wales Cancer Alliance, other charities, families, clinicians and other stakeholders in the coming period to help ensure that the unique needs of children and young people are recognised in the new Cancer Strategy for Wales.
The Strategy will be published to coincide with World Cancer Day on 4 February 2027.
More information on the Welsh Government's announcement can be found via the links below:
Welsh Government Announcement: Landmark ten-year strategy to transform cancer care in Wales | Welsh Government News
Welsh Government Written Statement: Written Statement: National Cancer Strategy for Wales (15 July 2026) | GOV.WALES