The President of the Valencian Government, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, has declared that the Valencian Community’s Cancer Strategy 2026-2030 will ensure equal access to advanced diagnosis, regardless of residence. He stated that all health departments will have established, coordinated, and evaluable oncology pathways that “will allow us to ensure that any suspected case of cancer receives a rapid, consistent response based on common criteria throughout our region.” The goal is to minimise the time from the first indication of sickness and the first oncologist consultation to less than seven days.
The leader of the Valencian government remarked that “This disease is still responsible for 25% of deaths in the Valencian Community, making prevention and treatment a political priority, because the fight against cancer is a social imperative for the entire population.” As part of his commitment to introduce new tools and resources for long-term follow-up and care, particularly for psychological consequences, he announced the creation of 60 new clinical psychologist jobs.
The president of the Generalitat declares that preventing the sickness that kills 25% of people in the Community is a political priority.
Progress
According to Pérez Llorca, these specialists will undertake Health Psychology-specific functions, such as psycho-oncological care, which is critical throughout the cancer patient’s treatment process.
The president also stated that “we are working hard and putting all of our effort into achieving new advances every day that will help us cure our patients.” During the parliamentary period, priority 1 patients had to wait 61 days for surgery, but now it is only 24 days, representing a 60% reduction. Faced with this disease, we require research, resources, and organisation; thus, the Valencian Community’s Cancer Strategy will assist us in planning future health policies by making tangible decisions now.”
Time reduction
The new Valencian Community Cancer Strategy 2026-2030 is an extension of the Ministry of Health’s 2024-2027 cycle, which was unveiled in February 2024.
It is built on six pillars, beginning with lowering diagnosis delays through rapid diagnostic circuits when cancer is suspected, with a first hospital consultation from Primary Care in fewer than seven days, as well as improved coordination and agile and orderly access to diagnostic testing.
To combat this disease, we require science, resources, and structure.
The second phase entails integrating personalised and precision medicine by combining genome sequencing, biomarkers, proton treatment, and data analytics. This will become a structural component of Valencia’s healthcare system, according to the Consell (Valencian Government).
Technology
The third pillar is built around investment and technology. More than €12 million has been invested for technological equipment and the creation of a genomic platform to shorten genetic and molecular testing times. As a result, the diagnostic centres may perform next-generation sequencing, with average report turnaround times ranging from 7 to 15 days.
As a fourth pillar, the plan focuses on innovation and advanced medicines, utilising biomarkers, integrating molecular committees, and implementing advanced therapeutics in a systematic manner to ensure assessed, equitable, and sustainable innovation.
The fifth pillar is centred on research and clinical trials, integrating them into healthcare practice and improving patient access, so strengthening the system and attracting talent and investment.
The third section focuses on comprehensive care for the survivor, including long-term follow-up, particularly for physical, emotional, and social repercussions, as well as coordination between adult and paediatric care.
Author: Derek Appleton
Other Articles
Malaga accounts for 30% of the luxury housing supply in Spain
No Comment! Be the first one.