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Written question asked by Chloe Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 11 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 March 2024. It was answered by Andrew Stephenson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Breast Cancer: Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress has been made on the Government's major conditions strategy with specific reference to breast cancer; and if she will make a statement.

Answer

In the development of the Major Conditions Strategy, we are considering how we improve outcomes for people in this country living with multiple conditions. Aligning work across several groups of conditions including cancer for this strategy, will allow us to focus on where there are similarities in approach and ensure care is better centred around the patient, maximising existing resources both within patient pathways and in integrating between pathways.

Improving early diagnosis of cancer, including breast cancer, is a priority for the Government. The National Health Service has an ambition to diagnose 75% of cancers at stage 1 or 2 by 2028, which will help tens of thousands of people live for longer. We know that breast cancer remains the most common cancer in England, with over 49,000 people being diagnosed each year. Thanks to advances in screening, treatment, and care, alongside NHS awareness campaigns, more women are surviving the disease than ever before.

The NHS Cancer Programme has also commissioned five new cancer clinical audits, including primary and metastatic breast cancers. These will provide timely evidence for cancer service providers of where patterns of care in England may vary, will increase the consistency of access to treatments, and help stimulate improvements in cancer treatment and outcomes for patients.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17863
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Breast cancer Health services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk