Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19: Lung Cancer Pathway — [Siobhain McDonagh in the Chair]

02 December 2020 · 1 other contributor · 4,097 words

Opened by Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood

Responding minister: Jo Churchill

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Derek Twigg raised concerns about covid-19: lung cancer pathway — [siobhain mcdonagh in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the impact of the covid-19 outbreak on lung cancer patients, noting a 75% drop in urgent referrals during the first wave.
  • The government is urged to pilot a 'Be clear on lung cancer and covid-19' campaign and resume lung cancer screening programmes at the earliest opportunity.
  • The minister highlighted efforts to refocus on cancer services since June, including updated 111 protocols for persistent coughs and a 150 million capital funding allocation for diagnostic equipment.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government to pilot a 'Be clear on lung cancer and covid-19' campaign and support the resumption of lung cancer screening programmes at the earliest opportunity. We need urgent referrals to reach pre-pandemic levels as soon as possible, with an emphasis on targeted campaigns in high-risk areas.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood

I am concerned about the impact of the covid-19 outbreak on lung cancer patients. Approximately 35,000 people die every year with lung cancer in the UK, more than for breast or bowel cancer combined. About 49% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at stage 4 due to late diagnosis and high mortality. The pandemic has resulted in a staggering 75% drop in urgent referrals during the first wave, with an estimated one-third of lung cancer patients dying since the beginning of the pandemic.

Other contributors (1)
  • James Daly Con Harrow East

    Paid tribute to Andrew Jenkinson, whose wife Emma died of brain cancer during the pandemic, for bringing attention to the ongoing issue of patients receiving cancer treatment during the difficult period. Thanked the Minister for kind comments regarding Mr Jenkinson's petition titled 'Ensure access to treatment and screening for all cancer patients during Covid-19', highlighting challenges due to the pandemic.

Government Response

Jo Churchill

Congratulated the hon. Member for Halton on securing the debate and acknowledged the challenges posed by late diagnosis of lung cancer. Emphasised efforts to refocus on cancer services since June, focusing on improving access to care during the pandemic. Highlighted the updated 111 protocols directing people with persistent coughs despite negative covid tests towards appropriate clinical care. Mentioned a £150 million capital funding allocation for diagnostic equipment and an additional £325 million announced in the spending review. Discussed successful pilots of targeted lung health check programmes aimed at areas of high prevalence or inequalities.

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