Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cancer Outcomes

Tuesday 19 July 2022 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government remains committed to tackling inequalities and levelling up cancer outcomes through the NHS Long Term Plan.
  • Minister agrees to meet MPs to discuss cancer care and research initiatives.
  • Government is investing in cancer research and diagnostics to address backlogs caused by the pandemic.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nicola Richards
NHS
Context

In April, the MP lost her mother to secondary breast cancer in the liver. The constituency of West Bromwich East has significantly poorer cancer outcomes than the national average.

Question

What steps is the Government taking to improve early diagnosis and overall cancer outcomes? I have lost my mum to a sudden diagnosis of secondary breast cancer, understanding the impact on families. Our constituency's cancer outcomes are worse than the national average. When will the 10-year cancer plan be published with confirmed investment levels?

Answer from James Morris

The Government remain committed to tackling inequalities and levelling up outcomes through the NHS Long Term Plan. Approaches like increasing accessibility for the cancer quality of life survey, targeted lung health checks in high mortality areas, and other initiatives are embedded throughout the programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Publication date and investment levels were not confirmed

How: Remained Committed

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Q2 Nicola Richards
NHS
Context

Weston Park Cancer Centre provides outstanding care for patients from South Yorkshire and beyond. It has been 50 years since the site was established.

Question

Will the Minister please look at the case for investment in Weston Park, so that it can continue to provide outstanding cancer care? I met two previous Secretaries of State and the outgoing Minister to press the case for funding.

Answer from James Morris

We are investing further money in diagnostics, addressing backlogs caused by the pandemic. I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific level of investment not mentioned

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Q3 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
NHS Science & Technology
Context

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer deaths in children. Current chemotherapy drugs for children with brain tumours were developed in the 1960s and require more modern treatment options.

Question

What can the Minister and Government do to help accelerate research into paediatric brain tumours? A constituent's five-year-old granddaughter has a brain tumour. Will you meet me to discuss this urgent issue?

Answer from James Morris

We are investing lots of money in cancer research across all areas, and I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific investment or timeline for paediatric brain tumour research not provided

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Q4 Bim Afolami Con
Context

Exposure to sunlight and sunbed usage pose significant risks for skin cancer. Constituents are at high risk from using sunbeds year-round.

Question

Does the Minister agree it is time to take dangers of sunbeds seriously? Does he support Melanoma UK's campaign to ban sunbed use, or if not, why not?

Answer from James Morris

Given current weather conditions, issues related to melanoma are high priority. I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss concerns about sunbed usage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support for banning sunbeds not mentioned

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Q5 Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
NHS
Context

The MP's constituency has significantly poorer cancer outcomes compared to the national average.

Question

What is being done specifically for my constituency of West Bromwich East, which has worse cancer outcomes than the national average? My hon. Friend lost her mother to a sudden diagnosis of secondary breast cancer in April.

Answer from James Morris

The Government remain committed to addressing health inequalities and levelling up outcomes through approaches embedded throughout the NHS Long Term Plan. The 10-year cancer plan is under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific initiative for West Bromwich East not provided

How: Remained Committed

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