Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 November 1996. It was answered by Lord Horam (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: What plans he has to provide assistance to general practitioners to deal with the medical, emotional and practical problems caused by breast cancer. - Includes ref to "Guidelines for referral of patients with breast problems", and "Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer: Guidance for Purchasers", in the Library as DEP/3 4055.

Answer: Mr. Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide assistance to general practitioners to deal with the medical, emotional and practical problems caused by breast cancer. [1237] Mr. Horam: "Guidelines for referral of patients with breast problems", produced jointly by the national health service breast screening programme and the cancer research campaign on behalf of the Department of Health's advisory committee on breast cancer screening was issued to general practitioners in January 1996. A summary of "Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer: Guidance for Purchasers", published by the NHS Executive in July 1996, was sent to all general practitioners in October. Both these publications will be placed in the Library.

Secondary information