Cancer Outcomes: Tees Valley

Opened the debate

The hon. MP Simon Clarke opened his remarks by paying tribute to the late Professor Stephen Bonner, highlighting his significant contributions to healthcare in Teesside, particularly at James Cook University Hospital. He emphasised the importance of cancer screening, noting that someone in the UK receives a cancer diagnosis every 90 seconds and one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Clarke pointed out that the north-east of England has the highest age-standardised cancer rate for both men and women compared to other regions, attributing this to industrial heritage and higher smoking and obesity rates. He acknowledged the efforts of community groups like Claire Starsmore's East Cleveland Pink Ladies, who have raised over £131,000 for Cancer Research UK. Clarke highlighted the need for earlier diagnosis and treatment, referencing the new targeted lung health check programme in the Tees Valley which identifies curable cancers every two days through mobile units operating at a 97% occupancy rate. He also mentioned proposals for a new Tees Valley diagnostic hub in Stockton that aims to open this year, believing it will save more lives than any single surgeon could achieve over their career.

Government Response

The Minister thanked Simon Clarke for securing the debate and highlighted efforts to improve early cancer diagnosis, aiming to reduce health disparities in deprived areas. She noted a significant increase in urgent referrals following the pandemic in the North East and North Cumbria integrated care board area. Whately mentioned innovative programmes such as the serious non-specific cancer pathway and targeted lung health checks, which have resulted in over 530 lung cancer diagnoses anticipated over four years. Addressing diagnostic backlogs, she announced £2.3 billion of capital investment for community diagnostic centres across England, with 89 centres currently operational delivering more than 2.7 million additional checks. Specifically for Teesside, the Minister announced that a new diagnostic centre in Stockton-on-Tees has been approved and is set to open by December 2023 as part of local regeneration efforts. She also discussed the role of independent sector partnerships in tackling backlogs and offering advanced treatments, including a recent agreement with BioNTech for innovative vaccine research. The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude for Clarke's commitment to improving cancer care in Teesside.