MP: one-year cancer survival rates could save thousands of lives
Today in the House of Commons, John Baron MP spoke in a debate about cervical cancer and the importance of screening.
During the debate, John said,
“Earlier diagnosis is cancer’s ‘magic key’. It is because we diagnose too late that between 5,000 – 10,000 lives are lost each year when compared with European and international averages.”
“The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer has campaigned long and hard for the introduction of one-year survival rates, broken down by CCG. These figures will now be published in June. For the first time, MPs, NHS England, the cancer community and patients will be able to hold underperforming CCGs to account.”
“Late diagnosis makes for poor one-year figures. Therefore, by highlighting how well the local NHS is promoting earlier diagnosis, we will encourage underperforming CCGs to introduce a range of initiatives to improve survival. This could include better uptake of screening, better diagnostics at Primary Care, better GP training, better awareness campaigns.”
“Once the one-year figures are produced, it will be up to all of us to hold the local NHS to account. There is no point having the tools in the toolbox if we do not use them.”
Ends
Word Count: 228
Date: 1st May 2014
Notes to Editors:
- John is Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer.
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