Cancer Early Diagnosis 2024-01-23
2024-01-23
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about cancer early diagnosis targets being affected by the pandemic. Theresa Villiers highlights her work with the all-party group on radiotherapy and seeks to understand measures for support.
I am concerned that the Government target to diagnose 75% of stageable cancers at stage 1 or stage 2 by 2028 has been challenged by the pandemic. What steps are being taken to ensure we meet this critical goal?
I acknowledge that diagnosing more cancers at stage 1 or stage 2 has been challenging due to the pandemic but we have made progress. Last year, more cancers were diagnosed early than ever before. This includes a focus on earlier diagnostic tests through new community diagnostic centres.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps and timeline for achieving the 75% diagnosis target by 2028 were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Cancer Research UK's plan highlights the importance of timely diagnosis for offering curative treatment. Theresa Villiers questions the effectiveness of newly established diagnostic centres in reducing patient wait times and ensuring early diagnosis.
Cancer Research UK has published an ambitious plan, 'Longer, better lives', emphasizing that a few weeks delay can impact whether patients receive curative or palliative care. With new diagnostic centres like Finchley Memorial Hospital opening, how will these improve waiting times and secure crucial early diagnosis?
Diagnostic checks are critical in the cancer pathway. The 150 community diagnostic centres opened by this Government, such as at Finchley Memorial Hospital, aim to provide earlier diagnostic tests and reduce waiting times for millions of patients. Since July 2021, these centres have delivered more than 6 million additional tests.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Research advancements in cancer have significantly improved survival rates. Jim Shannon asks about the Government's role in supporting research and development to increase these success rates further.
My father survived cancer three times due to medical advances; now, I seek details on how we can support research and development to improve cancer cure rates from 50% to potentially 60% or even 70%. What is being done to work with researchers?
I visited Northern Ireland recently, including Queen's University Belfast. The life sciences sector there is thriving. We aim to support companies involved in R&D by connecting world-leading universities like Queen's with the private sector and NHS for better patient outcomes.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific measures to enhance cancer survival rates through research collaboration were not addressed
Changed Subject
Response accuracy