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Written question asked by Rachael Maskell (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 October 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 October 2023. It was answered by Will Quince (Conservative) on Friday, 20 October 2023 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Breast Cancer: Screening

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to promote screening for breast cancer to people who are eligible.

Answer

The Government is committed to supporting and improving the National Health Service breast screening programme. The Department has invested £10 million funding into the NHS Breast Screening Programme providing 28 new breast screening units targeted at areas with the greatest challenges of uptake and coverage. This will provide extra capacity for services to recover from the impact of the pandemic, boost uptake of screening in areas where attendance is low, tackle health disparities and contribute towards higher early diagnosis rates in line with the NHS Long Term Plan.

In addition, steps are being taken to remove barriers to attending breast cancer screening such as promoting the use of text message alerts to remind women of upcoming appointments. NHS Breast Screening Providers are also being encouraged to work with cancer alliances, primary care networks, NHS England regional teams and the voluntary sector, to bring together work to promote uptake of breast screening and take action to ensure as many people as possible can access services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
203355
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Breast cancer Screening
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk