John Baron MP raises earlier diagnosis at Health Questions

MP says earlier diagnosis cancer’s ‘magic key’

During Health Questions, John Baron MP questioned the Government on improvements to earlier diagnosis for cancer patients – late diagnosis makes for poor survival rates. Due in part to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer’s campaigning last year, from April 2015 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are being held accountable on their local one-year survival rates.

In the Chamber, John asked,

“Does the Minister agree we all need to ensure we keep CCGs’ feet close to the fire as regards the one-year cancer survival figures, so that we do not just improve diagnostic testing at primary care, but also improve screening rates, GP referral rates and awareness campaigns as a means of ensuring that we save the thousands of lives that are needlessly lost through late diagnosis?

The Minister, George Freeman MP, agreed with the question and stated the Government’s new ambition is to save 30,000 more cancer lives each year by 2020.

Afterwards, John said,

“Earlier diagnosis is cancer’s ‘magic key’, as the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. It is good news that CCGs are now being held accountable on their one-year survival figures, and we must all do what we can to encourage them to take the steps necessary to improve earlier diagnosis for the benefit of cancer patients and their families.”

Ends
Word Count: 235
Date: 18th November 2015

Notes to Editors:

• John is the Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer.
• “One-year survival” is defined as the percentage of patients who survive a year from their initial cancer diagnosis.