Medical charity warns staff shortages are ‘ticking time bomb’ for cancer patients in Wales
The research by The Royal College of Radiologists finds Wales has the worst shortage of radiologists, who diagnose cancer, of any UK nation
Last updated 5th Jun 2025
The Royal College of Radiologists are warning cancer patients in Wales could be facing 'dangerous delays to life-saving scans and treatment' due to a shortage of radiologists and oncologists.
Two reports published by the RCR reveal that the demand for healthcare is growing faster than the workforce, while 'cancer doctors are leaving the NHS younger than ever before'.
Th research finds Wales has the worst shortage of radiologists, who diagnose cancer, of any UK nation, and RCR data reveals disparities between North and South Wales in both diagnostics and cancer care.
The charity is now warning that 'unless urgent action is taken, leading radiologists and oncologists warn that patient delays will worsen, with staff pushed to breaking point'.
The RCR is urging the government to act now to meet future demand.
The RCR says by training and recruiting more radiologists and oncologists it can help reduce patient delays.
A patient’s risk of death can increase by 10% for every month cancer treatment is delayed.
In 2024 every radiology leader in Wales reported delayed diagnostic scans due to staff shortages to the RCR, and said they didn’t have enough radiologists to deliver safe and effective care.
Across the UK, 9 in 10 cancer centre leaders reported worrying delays to patients starting treatment, and 7 in 10 were concerned about staff shortages putting patient safety at risk.
“Safe delivery of cancer treatment is becoming increasingly impossible.” - consultant clinical oncologist
“Patients are waiting longer than they should ... and we have had several delayed cancer diagnoses as a result.” - consultant radiologist.
The RCR is calling on the government to invest in long-term solutions that will 'future proof cancer services, by training more radiologists and oncologists'.
James Evans MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said:
“Under successive Labour Governments, propped up by Plaid Cymru, the Welsh NHS has been starved of the staffing it so desperately needs.
“The Welsh Government has failed to hit their own cancer targets for years, they aren’t recruiting the doctors we need and with the RCR’s revelations, it’s clear that the situation is only going to get worse under Labour.
“Welsh Conservatives will enact both a substantial workforce plan to boost the recruitment and retention of doctors as well as a cancer care plan to finally get to grips with excessive waits for treatment.”
Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said:
“Around one in two people in Wales will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives - but despite the prevalence of cancer throughout Wales, the provision and standard of cancer care falls short.
"The current system means there is also no real data available on the staffing numbers within cancer services in our NHS to identify the service gaps.
“Alongside the immediate short-term steps to improve waiting lists and the long-term measures to change how the NHS is run that we’ve already announced, Plaid Cymru will set out our full plan to improve cancer services ahead of next year’s election.
"We’ll introduce rapid diagnostic centres and self-screening, and place a clear focus on preventative health – given that 40% of cancers could be prevented. We’ll also develop a comprehensive workforce data programme and strategy to fill the gaps, meaning more radiologists, oncologists, specialist nurses and other key cancer staff required within NHS cancer services.
"Cancer patients deserve better, and a Plaid Cymru government will take the actions needed.”
The RCR research shows NHS Wales spent an estimated £16 million on temporary workforce solutions in radiology in 2024, a 40% increase on the previous year.
The charity says the £16 million sum could fund 143 full-time radiologists- which could 'fill the shortfall of 95 radiologists in Wales'.
The Welsh Government have declined to comment- other Senedd parties have been approached for a response.