Cancer Research Wales welcomes new CReST report

Cancer Research Wales has welcomed the publishing of the new report: 'Wales's cancer research strategy, CReSt: celebrating our collective progress' by the Wales Cancer Research Centre.

Published to coincide with the 2026 Wales Cancer Research Centre Conference, the report marks three years since the Cancer Research Strategy for Wales (CReSt) was introduced in 2022 to strengthen cancer research across Wales through collaboration between universities, the NHS, charities and industry partners.

"Cancer Research Wales warmly welcomes the publication of this report and its highlighting of the progress made in cancer research across Wales in recent years," said Dr Lee Campbell, Head of Research at Cancer Research Wales.

"As the Welsh cancer research charity, we have invested £41.86 million in funding the latest cutting-edge research into cancer diagnosis and treatment in Wales since we were established in 1966. This report shows we are a key player in driving forward innovation in cancer research in Wales."

Spotlight on Cancer Research Wales funding

"Our Brain Tumour Research Initiative, that we set up to address the significant lack of progress in caring for brain tumour patients in the last 30 years, is a key example of our pioneering approach and it is highlighted in this new report," added Dr Lee Campbell.

"Three of our pioneering clinical trials - COLOSPECT, BiCCC and ThinkCancer! - are also mentioned in the report for their contribution towards improving the treatment, early diagnosis and screening of cancer in Wales. It is heartening to see these major studies acknowledged at this level by our peers in the cancer research community."

The report details that 11,546 Welsh patients have taken part in clinical studies over the past three years. Impressively, Cancer Research Wales funded studies account for almost 20% of that total, demonstrating the significant impact we are having at the national level.

Spotting the potential

In addition, several of the 'research highlights' featured in the report have benefitted from previous Cancer Research Wales support. These include the ATTEST virotherapy clinical trial and the spin-out company Awen Oncology, both of which are underpinned by research that we funded over a number of years.

"The impact of early support from Cancer Research Wales, providing the foundations for the current successes, cannot be understated. We are thrilled to see the potential we identified early on now coming to fruition," said Dr Lee Campbell.

More to do

While the progress and success laid out in the new report are very encouraging, there is still plenty more to do. Wales unfortunately suffers from poor outcomes and wide inequalities for cancer, so there is significant scope to improve and save lives across the country.

Cancer Research Wales, as the Welsh cancer research charity, will continue to support the best researchers and clinicians to push the boundaries and build on the progress already made.

"We would like to thank all our funded scientists, clinicians and patients who have been involved in our studies. Importantly, we would also like to thank all our supporters and volunteers, without whose effort, none of this would have been possible. Together we can make a difference, as a Wales united against cancer," concluded Dr Campbell.