Cancer Research Wales’s 60th anniversary conference

Cancer Research Wales marked its 60th anniversary on 23 October by hosting a major research conference in Cardiff, bringing together more than 140 clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from across Wales to share the latest developments in cancer research and care.

Founded in 1966, Cancer Research Wales began its journey at a time when fewer than one in four people diagnosed with cancer survived their disease. 60 years on, cancer survival rates in Wales now exceed 60%, reflecting decades of scientific discovery, clinical innovation and sustained investment in research.

While this progress is worthy of celebration, the conference also served as a reminder that significant challenges remain, particularly for cancers with poor survival rates, including brain, liver, stomach, pancreatic and oesophageal cancers.

The critical role of research

The day opened with an address from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor, who outlined the Welsh Government's ambitions for improving cancer outcomes through the forthcoming All-Wales Cancer Strategy. He highlighted the critical role that research will play in delivering future improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, while recognising the significant contribution Cancer Research Wales has made to advancing cancer research over the past six decades.

The conference's plenary lecture was delivered by Professor Michael Hubank, Head of Clinical Genomics at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. In a fascinating and thought-provoking presentation, Professor Hubank demonstrated how cancer genomics is increasingly being embedded into routine NHS care in England, enabling more precise diagnoses and helping clinicians select the most effective treatments for individual patients.

His presentation provided compelling evidence of how integrating cutting-edge research into everyday clinical practice can lead directly to improved patient outcomes. Wales is well positioned to build on these advances through its centralised All Wales Medical Genomics Service and innovative programmes such as Quick DNA, which are helping to accelerate the adoption of genomic medicine.

Professor Hubank also highlighted Wales's pioneering role in genomic cancer treatment, noting that Wales became the first nation in the UK to use genomic testing to guide targeted treatment for aggressive breast cancer. This landmark achievement was supported by research undertaken by Cancer Research Wales-funded clinical PhD student Dr Magda Meissner, illustrating the impact that investment in early-career researchers can have on patient care.

The next generation of cancer researchers

Supporting the next generation of cancer researchers has been at the heart of Cancer Research Wales's mission for more than 35 years. Reflecting this commitment, the conference programme featured a series of flash presentations from PhD students and early-career researchers, who showcased their latest findings to the wider scientific community. Covering a broad range of topics and taking questions from delegates, these sessions provided an excellent platform for emerging researchers to develop their communication skills, gain valuable experience and contribute to the future of cancer research in Wales.

The morning breakout sessions showcased the breadth of innovation taking place across cancer research, from understanding the biology of brain tumours to harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and turning scientific discoveries into new treatments. Delegates heard how cutting-edge laboratory research is improving our understanding of cancer and paving the way for more personalised approaches to care.

Real-world impact

A strong focus was placed on translating research into real-world impact. Sessions explored the journey from academic discovery to commercial success, highlighting how promising ideas can become life-changing therapies, diagnostics and technologies. Advances in cancer detection, imaging and bowel cancer screening demonstrated how innovation is helping to identify cancers earlier, when treatment can be most effective.

AI emerged as a recurring theme, with examples showing its growing potential in diagnosis, pathology, radiotherapy planning and healthcare decision-making. Dr James Bourne from Welsh Government gave an excellent presentation on the work his department have been undertaking at the Life Science Hub to ensure the Welsh NHS has the right infrastructure in place to accommodate AI in a safe and user-friendly way when these innovations are eventually used in routine practice.

Putting patients at the heart of research

After a much-needed lunch, the delegates were treated to an equally fascinating series of afternoon breakout sessions. Discussions explored advances in clinical trials, innovative approaches to bowel cancer screening, and efforts to strengthen cancer diagnosis through primary care, demonstrating the many ways research is improving outcomes across the patient journey.

A central theme was the importance of putting patients at the heart of research. Sessions examined how lived experience can influence research priorities, improve study design and ensure that new technologies, data-driven approaches are developed responsibly and with public trust.

Delegates also explored the rapidly evolving field of cancer genomics, gaining insight into how a deeper understanding of DNA is helping researchers uncover new treatment opportunities and move closer to more precise, personalised care. Together, the sessions reflected a shared ambition to combine scientific discovery, clinical innovation and meaningful patient partnership to accelerate progress against cancer in Wales and beyond.

Cancer care should be delivered as an all-Wales service

The conference concluded with a lively and thought-provoking debate on the motion ‘This house believes that cancer care should be delivered as an all-Wales service’. Bringing together four clinicians and policy leaders, the discussion tackled one of the most important questions facing cancer care in Wales.

While opponents argued that improved investment and stronger collaboration between health boards could achieve the same goals without structural change, delegates ultimately voted decisively in favour of the motion, with 67% supporting an all-Wales cancer service.

Those advocating for change highlighted the potential benefits of stronger national leadership, clearer accountability and more consistent access to treatment regardless of postcode. A coordinated national approach, they argued, could strengthen workforce planning, reduce variation in care and create greater opportunities for research, innovation and the rapid adoption of new advances.

The debate captured the spirit of the conference itself: ambitious, collaborative and focused on improving outcomes for patients. Throughout the day, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and advocates demonstrated the depth of talent and commitment that exists across Wales.

Determination to overcome challenges

As Cancer Research Wales enters its seventh decade, there is every reason for optimism. The challenges ahead remain significant, but so too is the determination to overcome them. By working together and continuing to invest in research and innovation, we can look forward to a future where more cancers are prevented, detected earlier and treated more effectively, bringing hope to patients and families across Wales.