Doctors have stated that the pressure to provide more GP appointments is making it more difficult to include checks for gynaecological cancers within the standard 10-minute slots. Dr Amara Naseem reported that her clinics often overrun, as taking a detailed history and performing internal examinations sensitively can take around 20 minutes.
A survey by cancer charity Tenovus, supporting Claire's Campaign, found that approximately half of 100 GPs surveyed across Wales considered limited consultation time a major concern. A third of these GPs also expressed worries about "over-referring" patients for further testing to rule out cancers, given existing hospital pressures.
Lowri Griffiths of Tenovus noted that incidence and mortality rates for gynaecological cancers in Wales are higher than the UK average. Dr Kathrin Thomas, a former GP, highlighted that GP numbers in Wales have "almost flat-lined" while workload has increased, particularly in more disadvantaged areas.
The Welsh government has stated its commitment to strengthening primary care and is increasing investment, aiming to recruit up to 100 extra GPs. They are also updating their women's health plan and transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment through a 10-year national cancer strategy with a focus on earlier diagnosis.