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CReSt: Wales’ cancer research strategy

The first national cancer research strategy for Wales (CReSt) was launched in 2022. It aims to build on areas of strength to increase the depth and scale of cancer activity in Wales.

The CReSt strategy is about organisations across Wales working together, with focus and at scale. Since the strategy launched, we have seen significant progress and major new investments in research in Wales, the highlights of which are captured in our 2026 report. 

Moving Forward: A Cancer Research Strategy for Wales

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Wales’ cancer research strategy, CReSt: Celebrating our collective progress

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The six CReSt themes where our progress is focused are:

Precision and mechanistic oncology

Looking at how genetics can affect who gets cancer, how that cancer behaves, and finding ways to treat cancers with particular genetic ‘signatures’.

Immuno-oncology

Understanding how our bodies’ immune responses change when cancer develops, and finding ways to use the immune system to help fight cancer.

Radiotherapy

Exploring how radiotherapy can kill cancer cells while limiting the impact on the rest of the body.

Cancer clinical trials

Bringing promising new treatments to patients in trials and testing new ways of giving existing treatments.

Palliative and supportive oncology

Finding the best ways to look after patients with cancer, such as pain control, side effect management and mental health support.

Prevention, early detection, primary care and health services research

Finding new ways to prevent cancer and detect it early, and making sure that health services in Wales are underpinned by strong science.

Latest CReSt updates