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Lung Cancer Screening
26 June 2023
Lead MP
Steve Barclay
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSEmployment
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Steve Barclay raised concerns about lung cancer screening in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Minister announced an expansion of the national lung cancer screening programme in England, which will target individuals aged between 55 and 74 who are at high risk due to smoking history. This initiative aims to improve early detection rates, particularly in deprived communities where patients often present with advanced-stage lung cancer. The pilot programme has already benefited around 2,000 people since its launch in 2019, leading to a significant increase in the number of cases detected at an earlier stage (stages one and two). When fully implemented, it is expected that the programme will annually identify between 8,000 and 9,000 lung cancer patients at an early stage. The minister highlighted additional investments such as £123 million for AI tools to expedite diagnoses and mentioned a national scheme to encourage smokers to switch to vaping and financial incentives for pregnant women to stop smoking.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
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.
Minister reply
No direct answer provided in the given text.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
Question
The MP asked about the expected impact of the National Cancer Research Institute closure on cancer clinical trials and research.
Minister reply
No direct answer provided in the given text.
Wes Streeting
Lab
Ilford North
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.
Minister reply
On behalf of His Majesty's Government, I echo condolences for Margaret McDonagh and James Brokenshire. The programme aims to close health inequality gaps by targeting areas with high smoking rates and low survival rates. We aim to increase lung cancer survival from 15% to 40% in the next 18 months and eventually to 100%. NHS has seen record numbers of cancer patients over the last two years, and survival rates are improving across almost all types of cancer. The Government is spending more than £1 billion on research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
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?
Minister reply
Yes, my hon. Friend is right about using the opportunity of screening to pick up other conditions and work constructively to better empower patients on the prevention agenda.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
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?
Minister reply
Clearly, earlier detection reduces pressure on the workforce. We are investing in our community diagnostic programme with 108 community diagnostic centres open and delivering 4 million additional tests and scans. The £8 billion investment includes over £5 billion for capital programmes such as CT scanners.
Maggie Throup
Lab
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?
Minister reply
The Government are taking a range of measures including vaping support for smokers, financial incentives for pregnant women, tougher enforcement, and packaging inserts.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
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?
Minister reply
The targeting of mining communities will be shaped by clinical advice and the Minister will flag this point for consideration.
Tracey Crouch
Con
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?
Minister reply
The programme’s expansion aims to target communities at highest risk for lung cancer and Medway challenges will be taken into consideration.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Will the Secretary of State guarantee an increase in radiographers and radiologists to ensure that patients receive timely treatment after diagnosis?
Minister reply
Through community diagnostic centres, additional tests and scans are being rolled out, and over £5 billion has been invested through the elective recovery programme.
Miriam Cates
Con
Penistone and Stocksbridge
Question
Will my right hon. Friend consider using new community diagnostic centres as radiotherapy treatment centres to reduce cancer treatment waiting times?
Minister reply
The capacity is being expanded through investment in diagnostic and surgical hubs, alongside looking at patient pathways for expedited treatments.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
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?
Minister reply
The programme is being rolled out sustainably targeting deprived communities with the highest smoking prevalence; additional risk factors will be considered based on evidence.
Philip Hollobone
Con
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?
Minister reply
The additional cost over seven years is £1 billion; funding will be an issue for the Treasury.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
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?
Minister reply
Significant work is going into faster diagnosis standards with additional diagnostic centres to boost capacity and address the backlog from the pandemic.
Edward Timpson
Con
Eddisbury
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.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that community-based screening trucks were effective during the pilot phase, increasing accessibility and reducing the barrier to entry for patients who might otherwise find hospital visits daunting. Confirms this approach is crucial to improving participation rates.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Question
Asks if the Treasury will require tobacco companies to fund part of the programme.
Minister reply
Confirms regular discussions with the Treasury on funding but notes that the Department of Health and Social Care has a budget exceeding £180 billion, already addressing various healthcare needs such as junior doctors' pay. Will consider any additional measures in context.
Suzanne Webb
Con
Stourbridge
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.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of distinguishing vaping as a smoking cessation tool from its use by youth. Mentions efforts to tighten regulations and close loopholes, including a recent call for evidence.
Simon Clarke
Con
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
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.
Minister reply
Commits to learning from Mr. Ferguson's innovative approaches, such as operating scanners for extended hours and utilizing mobile units in supermarket car parks, to enhance early detection and survival rates.
Shadow Comment
Wes Streeting
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Health Secretary criticised the Government's delayed action on lung cancer, noting that despite announcing an expansion of the screening programme, its full roll-out is not expected until 2030. He also pointed out issues with NHS workforce shortages and the potential impact on delivering such a programme. Streeting highlighted the challenges patients face in accessing timely care, including long waits for appointments and treatment delays beyond the recommended timeframes. The Labour MP further criticised the closure of the National Cancer Research Institute due to funding uncertainties and expressed concern over falling clinical trial numbers.
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