Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cancer: Early Diagnosis

Tuesday 23 January 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers raised concerns about the impact of the pandemic on early cancer diagnosis targets.
  • The Minister highlighted progress in early cancer diagnosis through new community diagnostic centres.
  • Jim Shannon inquired about supporting research and development to improve cancer cure rates.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps and timeline for achieving the 75% diagnosis target by 2028 were not detailed

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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

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.

Answered
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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
NHS Northern Ireland Science & Technology
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

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.

Not addressed: The specific measures to enhance cancer survival rates through research collaboration were not addressed

How: Changed Subject

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