John Baron MP addresses Pancreatic Cancer in Parliamentary Debate

MP calls on NHS to improve earlier diagnosis

Yesterday in the House of Commons, John Baron MP took part in a Parliamentary debate on pancreatic cancer. The debate was held in response to an e-petition calling for a debate on the subject which garnered over 100,000 signatures.

In the debate, John said,

“I think we all accept that earlier diagnosis is cancer’s ‘magic key’. The problem is that one in four cancers are first diagnosed late in A & E and the figure for pancreatic cancer is double that—nearly half of all pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed there. Does my hon. Friend agree that the focus on survival rates as a means of driving forward initiatives for earlier diagnosis at local level, whether better awareness, better screening, better diagnostics or better care pathways, is the secret to unlocking this dreadful disease?”

Afterwards, John said,

“We must improve the NHS’ performance when it comes to earlier diagnosis of cancer. For this to happen, it is essential indicators are embedded at every level of the NHS, from the local up to the national.”

“In particular, I urge the Government to incorporate one-year cancer survival rates into the Comprehensive Delivery Dashboard – this will ensure individual CCGs maintain their focus on improving earlier diagnosis.”