Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Cancer Treatment Waiting Times 2023-04-25

2023-04-25

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
▸ Context
Recent data shows that 42.6% of cancer patients in the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB are waiting more than 62 days for treatment.
What steps is my right hon Friend taking to ensure that new cutting-edge radiotherapy equipment is making it to the frontline coupled with a fully staffed workforce to operate it and save lives?
Steve Barclay
We have 810 more consultant training places over three years, grants for more than 1,000 nurses to train in chemotherapy, and 1,400 new recruits to the cancer diagnostic workforce. This sits alongside expansion in capacity including surgical hubs and expanded diagnostic centres.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Steps to ensure radiotherapy equipment reaches frontline was not specifically addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
▸ Context
Recent data shows that 42.6% of cancer patients in the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB are waiting more than 62 days for treatment.
In February, the faster diagnosis standard was met for the first time. In addition, we are investing in additional screening, testing and tech in order to detect cancer much earlier.
Steve Barclay
In February, the faster diagnosis standard was met for the first time. We are investing in additional screening, testing and tech to detect cancer earlier.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to reduce waiting times were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Meg Hillier Lab Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
▸ Context
A constituent had emergency surgery for a brain tumour after six months of going to the doctor repeatedly with problem headaches. Brain cancer causes 9% of cancer deaths but accounts for only 1% of cases.
What work is being undertaken on genome sequencing which could have a major impact on better treatment for brain cancers?
Steve Barclay
We have invested in Genomics England and 100,000 babies are being screened. The Minister for Health and Secondary Care recently hosted a roundtable with key stakeholders on that issue.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific details on genome sequencing for brain cancer were not provided.
Response accuracy