Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Liz Blackman (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 February 2010 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First, may I add my condolences to those of my right hon. Friend regarding David Greenhalgh, who lived in Ilkeston in Erewash—my constituency—and was a very brave young man? To receive a diagnosis of cancer must be one of the most frightening experiences in anybody's life. Currently, 94.1 per cent. of patients see a cancer specialist within two weeks. May I welcome the Government's intention to build on that incredible progress and to make the two-week goal a legal entitlement, thus further reassuring patients with cancer and their families?

Answer: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has taken a very keen interest in how we can make progress against cancer in our country. The truth is that if people get early screening and diagnosis, there is a 90 per cent.-plus chance of survival from breast cancer and other forms of cancer such as bowel cancer. That is why we are so keen that everybody who is worried can see a specialist and get a diagnosis as quickly as possible. That is what will save lives. Our policy of having a two-week guarantee, now reduced to one week, has massive support throughout the country. I cannot understand for the life of me why the Conservative party is against these guarantees that we give to every patient in the country. If the Opposition want to show their commitment to the NHS, they should support the guarantees for cancer care.

Secondary information