Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Cancer Diagnoses: Young People in Hertfordshire

19 November 2021 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Julie Marson Con Hertford and Stortford

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Julie Marson raised concerns about cancer diagnoses: young people in hertfordshire in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP honoured Jessica Brady's memory by highlighting the tragic misdiagnosis of her cancer, emphasizing the need for better training for GPs to identify rare cancers in young adults.
  • The speech included statistics showing that 9% of all new cancer cases are among those aged 25-49.
  • The Minister acknowledged the debate's significance and noted the Government's commitment to improving early diagnosis for all cancers through rapid diagnostic centres and personalised care pathways.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Julie Marson Con Hertford and Stortford

The MP honoured Jessica Brady's memory by highlighting the tragic misdiagnosis of her cancer, which was exacerbated by pandemic restrictions. She emphasised the need for a more joined-up system in GP care, early diagnosis, and better training for GPs to identify rare cancers in young adults. The speech included statistics showing that 9% of all new cancer cases are among those aged 25-49. Marson also called for clearer escalation procedures when patients repeatedly contact their surgery and access to designated cancer specialists within GP surgeries.

Other contributors (2)
  • Oliver Heald Con North East Hertfordshire

    Paid tribute to Jessica Brady's family and supported the need for better awareness of cancer diagnosis among young adults.

  • Preet Kaur Gill Lab Weston-super-Mare

    Expressed condolences and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, praising rapid diagnostic centres as a positive step.

Government Response

Edward Argar

The Minister acknowledged the debate's significance and paid tribute to Jessica Brady's family. He noted that while Jessica’s cancer was rare, the Government is committed to improving early diagnosis for all cancers through rapid diagnostic centres and personalised care pathways. The response detailed £20 million of elective recovery funding distributed to support faster diagnosis implementation. It also mentioned GRAIL’s Galleri trial aimed at detecting over 50 types of cancers via a single blood test, showing cautious optimism about its potential impact. The Minister emphasised the importance of a named accountable general practitioner and highlighted improvements in early cancer referral practices through primary care networks.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy