A new poll has highlighted the growing pressures facing GPs in Wales when it comes to diagnosing gynaecological cancers, with almost half saying limited appointment time is holding them back.

The Censuswide survey, commissioned by Tenovus Cancer Care in support of Claire’s Campaign, gathered responses from 100 GPs across Wales to better understand the challenges faced in primary care when women present with potential cancer symptoms.

It comes against a backdrop of concern over cancer waiting times and outcomes in Wales. Figures show around 1,200 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancers each year in Wales, with approximately 470 deaths annually. Tenovus Cancer Care says both incidence and mortality rates are higher than the UK average.

While early diagnosis is known to significantly improve survival chances, the poll suggests systemic pressures are making that harder to achieve. Nearly half of GPs (49 per cent) said limited consultation time was a key barrier, while 39 per cent said distinguishing cancer symptoms from common conditions such as IBS was difficult. A third (34 per cent) said they worry about referring patients into an already stretched NHS system, and many also pointed to delays in access to diagnostic tests and specialist advice.

Welsh Government data shows the Single Cancer Pathway target – where no patient should wait more than 62 days for treatment – is still not being met consistently. In 2022, just 38 per cent of gynaecological cancer cases met the target, rising only to 50.7 per cent nearly four years later.

Gareth Howells, CEO at Tenovus Cancer Care, said: “As we look ahead to the next Welsh Government, it’s vital that gynaecological cancer is treated as a priority within women’s health.

“When nearly half of GPs tell us they don’t have enough time with patients, and a third are worried about the impact of referring into an already stretched system, that should be a clear warning sign.

“GPs want to do the right thing, but they need the time to properly assess symptoms, quicker access to diagnostic tests and specialist advice, and a system that supports early referral when something isn’t right. Without that, we risk women continuing to face delays in diagnosis when early action can save lives.

Dr Kathrin Thomas, who is a consultant in public health and a retired GP working with Deep End Cymru, who has focused on tackling health inequality much of her working life, said the results were revealing.

She said: “The biggest issue identified by GPs was limited consultation time. They need time to listen to women’s concerns, especially when these are not straightforward or typical, and time to examine them appropriately.

“We now have fewer GPs in Wales than anywhere else in the UK and numbers have not increased in the last few years, even though demand in General Practice has significantly increased.

“GPs are aware that over-referral into the NHS would result in even more women having unnecessary invasive tests, so GPs need time to be able to find the balance to ensure that those with symptoms are referred, whether they are in a high-risk category or not.

“There are not enough GPs to give women the time they need to be heard and not enough resources to cope with these referrals.”

Dr Thomas continued: “If we want women to be heard the biggest thing we can give them is time. GPs really want to do the best they can, but what is limiting them is the lack of time so they can pick up those unusual presentations; the more complex; the more unusual and difficult cases which requires continuity of care as well.

“The critical point now is continuity of care. If people see the same GP most of the time, it is really good for their long-term health. We know there is a 20 per cent reduction in mortality over 10 years for people who have high continuity of care, and they are also less likely to be admitted to hospital and need fewer appointments.”