John Baron MP presses Health Minister over cancer survival rates

MP calls for one- and five-year survival rates to be included in NHS Commissioning Outcomes Framework

Today during Health Questions in the House of Commons, John Baron MP asked the Minister of State for Cancer Services, Paul Burstow MP, about the inclusion of one-and five-year cancer survival rates inside the NHS Commissioning Outcomes Framework, in line with the NHS Outcomes Framework.

In the reformed NHS, the NHS Outcomes Framework will set the general priorities for the whole service. GP-led Clinical Commissioning Groups, which will replace Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities, will be subject to the separate Commissioning Outcomes Framework. At the moment, although the requirement to improve on one- and five-year cancer survival rates is in the NHS Outcomes Framework, only the five-year survival rates are in the Commissioning Outcomes Framework.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer, which John chairs, believes both survival rates should be in the Commissioning Outcomes Framework.

In the House of Commons, John said,

“Does the Minister agree with the All-Party Group on Cancer’s report that if we are to drive improvements in outcomes across the NHs consistently, then the one- and five-year cancer survival measures should be included in both the NHS Outcomes Framework and the Commissioning Outcomes Framework?”

The Minister of State for Cancer Services, Paul Burstow MP, replied that while he agreed in principle, there were concerns with data quality, and thus its utility.

Afterwards, John said,

“The whole NHS needs to adopt a consistent approach to cancer. If the data is good enough for one Outcomes Framework, then I question why it is not good enough for the other.”

“This issue is important. The focus on outcomes driven by the NHS reforms should ensure that cancer survival rates increase across the board by compelling the local NHS to increase measures to boost survival rates, such as earlier diagnosis.”

“I believe incorporating both the one- and five-year survival rates into both Frameworks will be a shot in the arm for this process, and I will continue working on this important issue.”