John Baron MP presses Health Secretary on earlier diagnosis

MP reiterates calls for cancer survival rates to be included in the NHS Commissioning Outcomes Framework

Yesterday in the House of Commons, during a Government statement, John Baron MP asked the Secretary of State for Health, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP about earlier diagnosis for cancer patients. The statement was on the first mandate to the NHS Commissioning Board, and included the news that one- and five-year survival rates will be included in the NHS Outcomes Framework, which will hold the Commissioning Board to account.

Good one- and five-year survival rates indicate earlier diagnosis, as the earlier cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated. However, one- and five-year survival rates are currently not due for inclusion in the Commissioning Outcomes Framework (COF) – which will hold the local NHS to account. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer (APPGC), of which John is Chairman, has been campaigning over the past year to make the case for their inclusion.

In the House of Commons, John said,

“Will the Government ensure the COF mirrors the one- and five-year indicators, which are important in encouraging earlier diagnosis?”

The Secretary of State for Health replied that he was considering a composite indicator for cancers with the one- and five-year measures.

Afterwards, John said,

“I welcome the news that one- and five-year survival rates will be included in the national NHS Outcomes Framework, but it is essential these rates are also focused upon by the local NHS through the COF. This will drive forward earlier diagnosis and increase cancer survival.”

“The APPGC is not in principle against a composite indicator in the COF, but we are clear it should compliment, but not replace, the one- and five-year rates. We will continue to campaign on this issue.”