Breast Screening 2020-10-06
2020-10-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
During the peak of the pandemic, breast screening appointments were paused. Breast Cancer Now estimated that over 986,000 women missed their mammograms due to this pause.
What steps have been taken to ensure the continuation of breast screening during the covid-19 outbreak? Women at greatest risk continue to be prioritised for screening but a significant backlog of delayed appointments existed. How are these gaps being addressed?
Women at greatest risk of breast cancer continue to be prioritised for screening. The NHS has significantly reduced the backlog of delayed breast screening appointments from over 468,000 in June to under 52,000 in September. All services have now been restarted and women are urged to attend their screening when invited.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details on addressing the backlog beyond stating it has reduced.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Macmillan Cancer Support highlighted a gap in the availability of specialist breast cancer nurses, impacting patient care.
Breast screening appointments were paused during the pandemic. Breast Cancer Now estimates that over 986,000 women missed their mammograms leading to potential undetected cases. What steps are being taken to address this and the gap in specialist breast cancer nurses?
Cancer nurse specialists are a priority, identified in the long-term plan as essential for personalised care. Despite a slight decline in availability from 91% to 89%, efforts are focused on ensuring every woman has access to a cancer nurse specialist. The ambition is to deliver this promised personalized care.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or timeline for addressing the shortage of specialists.
Response accuracy