Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 11 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 October 2006. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 October 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Cancer Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women from targeting social need areas in (a) inner east Belfast and (b) Strangford are not using the offer of screening for (i) breast and (ii) cervical cancers; and what plans there are to increase the numbers using these services.

Answer: This information requested is not available.The Department's Regional Cancer Framework document, which will be published shortly, recommends that commissioners and providers, working with local women and the voluntary sector, should target areas of low uptake for screening.The Eastern Health and Social Services Board has already put in place a number of initiatives to increase uptake rates for both breast and cervical screening. These include providing advice to voluntary and community groups, attendance at women's health fairs and provision of cervical screening for women with learning disabilities.

Secondary information