Lung Cancer Screening

Question

The MP questioned whether the NHS workforce plan, yet to be released, explains why it will take seven years for the screening programme roll-out and how it could impact current NHS waiting lists.

Question

The MP asked about the expected impact of the National Cancer Research Institute closure on cancer clinical trials and research.

Question

Before I begin, I would like to pay tribute to Margaret McDonagh and James Brokenshire. Lung cancer patients in this country are less likely to survive than those in most European countries due to long wait times for GP appointments, scans, and treatment after diagnosis. The programme announced today will not be fully rolled out until 2030, which means no action is being taken now or in the next Parliament. There are workforce shortages and NHS strike action that impact service delivery. A report by the King’s Fund reveals that the NHS has fewer CT and MRI scanners than other advanced countries and lower numbers of clinical staff, leading to longer wait times during the pandemic.

Question

Although this nationally expanded programme cannot prevent lung cancer, will the Secretary of State confirm that we will stick by the principle of making every contact count? When people come forward for a lung risk assessment, we can offer emotional support where a problem has been detected, provide smoking cessation services to those who are still smoking, or just put our arms around people where there are comorbidities. When people come into contact with the health service, will we make every contact count for them?

Question

Of course those most at risk must be fast-tracked into diagnostic services, but when we are 2,000 radiologists short, 4,000 radiographers short and 5,000 other health staff short in those diagnostic services, how can people get the diagnostic services they need? When will we have the workforce in place to service this policy?

Question

Alongside the new lung screening programme, will my right hon. Friend commit to implementing in full the recommendations made by Dr Javed Khan in his review to address smoking as the leading cause of preventable cancer?

Question

Will the Secretary of State ensure that ex-miners in coalfield communities are considered in the roll-out of the new targeted programme given their higher risk of lung cancer?

Question

What plans do the Government have to bring vital early detection screening to Medway towns, an area with high levels of deprivation and high smoking-attributed mortality rates?

Question

Will the Secretary of State guarantee an increase in radiographers and radiologists to ensure that patients receive timely treatment after diagnosis?

Question

Will my right hon. Friend consider using new community diagnostic centres as radiotherapy treatment centres to reduce cancer treatment waiting times?

Question

Why will only 40% of people be subject to screening by 2025 and why must we wait until 2030 for widespread availability, considering that a significant number of lung cancer victims have not smoked?

Question

How much will the national lung cancer screening programme cost and why can it not be paid for in its entirety from the profits of cigarette companies?

Question

How much of the £1 billion will be used to bring in extra clinicians and staff needed for screening, given that only 77.8% of patients got an urgent referral within 62 days at a local hospital?

Question

Welcomes the announcement of a national targeted lung cancer screening programme and asks if screening trucks will continue in rural areas where health inequalities are high.

Question

Asks if the Treasury will require tobacco companies to fund part of the programme.

Question

Welcomes the new programme and raises concern about young people using vapes without having smoked first, asking if the Government will continue to crack down on marketing vapes to children.

Question

Welcomes the announcement and requests that Jonathan Ferguson’s work at James Cook University Hospital be used as an example to inform best practices across other communities.