Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cancer Outcomes

Tuesday 18 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Cancer has been a priority throughout the pandemic, with ninety-five percent of people starting treatment within a month of diagnosis.
  • Recent data shows a record high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, with over 55,000 people in November alone.
  • The NHS is focusing on recovering cancer services to pre-pandemic levels, with an additional 2 billion of funding made available.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
NHS
Context

The question arises from the concern over cancer outcomes and treatment delays. The latest data shows a record high number of people waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, with 55,000 patients in November alone. Additionally, Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of cancer outcomes? To ensure the best outcomes for patients, they need to start treatment as soon as possible. However, in the latest data addressed by the Minister, there is a record high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, increasing to over 55,000 people in November before the pandemic peak. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still waiting for their first cancer treatment. When will the Government publish a properly resourced and staffed national recovery plan for cancer care?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

Cancer has been an absolute priority throughout this pandemic, with treatment and services continuing. Ninety-five percent of people started treatment within a month of diagnosis during the pandemic, resulting in over 4 million urgent referrals and 960,000 patients receiving cancer treatment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Publication date for national recovery plan was not provided

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Q2 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
NHS
Context

The question concerns the high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, increasing to over 55,000 people in November. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment.

Question

To ensure the best cancer outcomes for patients, they need timely access to treatment. However, recent data shows a record high number of patients waiting more than two weeks to see a specialist, with over 55,000 people in November alone. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that over 31,000 people are still awaiting their first cancer treatment. When will the Government publish a properly resourced and staffed national recovery plan for cancer care?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

I reassure the hon. Gentleman that cancer has been an absolute priority throughout this pandemic, with treatment and services continuing. Ninety-five per cent of people started treatment within a month of diagnosis throughout the pandemic, resulting in over 4 million urgent referrals and 960,000 patients receiving cancer treatment during that time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Publication date for national recovery plan was not provided

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Q3 Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North
NHS
Context

The question arises from the death of Geoff Cosgrave due to kidney cancer that had spread through his lymph nodes and lungs. Due to staffing shortages, he could not receive treatment for a blockage in his lungs until finally admitted to Bristol Royal Infirmary but unfortunately his condition deteriorated.

Question

Geoff Cosgrave was admitted with advanced kidney cancer in mid-November but due to thoracic ward closures due to staffing issues, he waited over two weeks before being admitted to Bristol Royal Infirmary. Unfortunately by then his condition had worsened and he could not receive treatment, dying last week. The family wishes to thank NHS staff for their care and asks what the Government is doing to address the understaffing in the NHS and pressures from covid impacting cancer care.

Answer from Maria Caulfield

The NHS is focusing on recovering cancer services to pre-pandemic levels; an additional £2 billion of funding was made available and there were 44,000 more staff from October 2020. We are committed to getting back on track for pre-pandemic levels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to address understaffing not provided

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