John Baron MP questions Health Secretary over the collection of cancer data

MP says important work must continue

Yesterday in the House of Commons, during an Opposition Day Debate on the Health Service, John Baron MP defended the need to reform the NHS and urged The Rt. Hon. Andrew Lansley MP, the Health Secretary, to continue valuable work regarding the collection of cancer data.

John said:

“The Health Secretary is absolutely right to reform the NHS given that cancer outcomes in this country are well below the European average. The All Party Parliamentary Group and most recently the Public Accounts Committee have stressed the importance of collecting staging data – as this provides an early insight when it comes to early diagnosis. Will he ensure the importance of this work is recognised in these health reforms?”

The Health Secretary responded by saying this was indeed vital work, that it would continue, and complemented the work of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer.

John said afterwards:

“Staging data measures at what stage cancer is detected, and this is key information in the battle against cancer. Earlier diagnosis is crucial if we are to improve cancer outcomes in this country.”