Community

Screening crisis: 15,000 ‘missing’ women at risk of breast cancer in Wales

Published

4 months ago

January 13, 2026

A PETITION signed by more than 4,000 people has thrust Wales’ breast cancer screening programme into the spotlight amid low take-up and “massive” disparities across the country.

On Monday January 12, Senedd Members considered the 4,254-signature petition on improving the national Breast Test Wales screening programme run by Public Health Wales.

The Senedd’s petitions committee heard only 69% of women invited for screening attended their appointment in 2022/23, below a 70% minimum standard and an 80% target.

The petitioners wrote: “If the 80% target was met, 15,871 more women would have been screened and an estimated 154 more breast cancers detected.”

Breast Cancer Now, which organised the petition, pointed to latest uptake data for the UK – showing England at 70%, Northern Ireland at 74% and Scotland at 75%.

Highlighting an awareness campaign launched in England in 2025, the charity urged the Welsh Government to similarly promote potentially life-saving breast screening.

Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle was taken aback: “I would say this is certainly the most alarming statistic I have read in possibly the past 35-40 years I’ve been involved in politics.

Caerphilly's Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle — Caerphilly’s Plaid Cymru MS Lindsay Whittle

“To think that 15,000 women are walking around Wales not being screened and 154 of those women probably have early signs of breast cancer is alarming.

“And we have to send out a 999 message to women in all corners of Wales: please use this facility, it is absolutely vital. If this facility was taken away, we would probably have demonstrators outside this building – and rightly so.”

Calling for a communications campaign to save lives, Caerphilly MS Mr Whittle added: “The low take-up in many areas of Wales is a matter of national concern.”

He urged colleagues on the cross-party petitions committee to write to health secretary Jeremy Miles, seeking answers on breast cancer screening.

The politician questioned: “What is England doing differently to Wales because they seem to be more successful? Well, that shouldn’t be right obviously.”

Mr Whittle stressed: “We have to ensure that women’s lives are protected and they’re given this help as fast as possible. Early detection is vital.”

Vaughan Gething, the former First Minister and health secretary, supported calls to ask the Welsh Government for an update on plans for a new wider screening equity strategy.

Labour’s Carolyn Thomas, who chairs the committee, explained people continue to go every three years if they attend their first screening, “so it’s getting them there in the first place”.

Ms Thomas, who had to rearrange her own appointment last week due to a family medical emergency, said early detection could save the NHS as much as £100m.

A Public Health Wales report showed significant disparities, with uptake ranging from more than 70% in Carmarthenshire to 40% on Anglesey in 2021/22.

Rhys ab Owen, who sits as an independent, suggested a debate in the main chamber but recognised the clock was ticking on the Senedd term with an election in May.

He said: “I was unaware of this issue before the petition and I’d be very interested to know the reason behind the difference between different local authorities. There must be a reason: why is Ynys Môn so low at 40%? It’s a massive outlier.”

The committee agreed to write to health secretary Jeremy Miles about the forthcoming screening equity strategy and the use of 11 mobile centres in Wales.

Breast Cancer Now also expressed concerns about delays in data reporting, with a 2023/24 annual report set to be published a year after the equivalent English data.

The charity stressed: “Timely annual statistical reporting, in line with the timescale of other UK nations, increases transparency and accountability within Wales’ breast screening programme, and supports evidence-based decision making and long-term planning.”

In an earlier letter to the committee, Mr Miles told the committee uptake rates can vary across regions, age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.

He wrote: “The reasons women choose not to take up the offer are complex. Factors may include lack of awareness, fear or anxiety about the screening process and results, cultural and language barriers, access issues, and the impact of misinformation.

“We are committed to maximising breast screening uptake across all communities, recognising its vital role in early cancer detection and improved outcomes.”

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

7 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.