Written question asked by Lord Barker of Battle (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of non-listed cancer patients require (a) diagnostic X-ray examinations, (b) ultrasound investigations for gynaecological and obstetric problems, (c) mammograms for breast canceer and (d) CT scans; and what plans he has to introduce these patients to the national cancer waiting lists published by his Department.

Answer: Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of non-listed cancer patients require (a) diagnostic X-ray examinations, (b) ultrasound investigations for gynaecological and obstetric problems, (c) mammograms for breast cancer and (d) CT scans; and what plans he has to introduce these patients to the national cancer waiting lists published by his Department. [75766] Ms Blears: Data are not collected centrally on diagnostic tests for cancer patients. The National Health Service Cancer Plan set out waiting time targets for cancer. These targets aim to reduce the amount of time patients have to wait from urgent referral to beginning treatment, which will include the diagnostic phase, and from diagnosis of cancer to first treatment. We have no plans to include waiting times for individual diagnostic tests in cancer waiting times monitoring.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 75766; 392 c491W;392 c503W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Breast cancer Cancer Diagnosis Health services Medical examinations Waiting lists Screening X-rays Gynaecology Obstetrics Tomography Ultrasonics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk