Written question asked by Jon Trickett (Labour) on Thursday, 4 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what actions his Department has taken to improve the early diagnosis of cancer since the publication by the National Audit Office of its report,Tackling cancer in England: saving more lives, HC 364, Session 2003-04.

Answer: Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what actions his Department has taken to improve the early diagnosis of cancer since the publication by the National Audit Office of its report,"Tackling cancer in England: saving more lives", HC 364, Session 2003-04. [197217] Miss Melanie Johnson: The cancer policy team within the Department is currently developing a programme of work to raise public awareness of symptoms which might result in the diagnosis of cancer and to encourage people with those symptoms to seek medical advice as early as possible. This work is being undertaken in conjunction with a variety of key stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, charities and patient representatives.

Secondary information