The Suspected Cancer Pathway (SCP) is a Welsh Government target for diagnosing cancer and starting treatment more quickly. It also indicates where information and support should be provided across the pathway.
The Wales Cancer Network welcomed a Welsh Government decision to implement a Suspected Cancer Pathway in Wales from June 2019.
As a result, every Welsh health board developed plans to ensure the majority of their patients receive cancer diagnostic tests in a timely manner and start their treatment within 62 days, from the very first point where cancer might be suspected.
Equally, for those patients who do not have cancer, they will be reassured promptly, reducing unnecessary stress and worry.
The SCP is the culmination of more than three years of work to change how health boards identify and report cancers and to improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer.
For the first time, health boards will record how long patients wait from the point a cancer is first suspected, regardless of the way they enter the healthcare system.
The SCP team is facilitating the development of National Optimal Cancer Pathways for each individual cancer site as a tool to help describe the patient journey. The Welsh Government has agreed that Health Boards will change the cancer waiting times and report against the SCP single measure from February 2021.
If you are interested in learning more please contact WCN.WalesCancerNetwork@wales.nhs.uk or watch this short video produced by the Welsh Government.