HC Deb 19 July 1965 vol 716 c1091
8. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Health what evidence he has about the rate of cervical cancer in Jewish women compared with other women; and what are the reasons for the disparity.

Mr. K. Robinson

National statistics do not distinguish between religions. Various studies have shown that Jewish women have a markedly lower incidence rate than others but the reasons are not yet established.

Mr. Shepherd

Will the right hon. Gentleman seek further into this matter and see what Professor Ross of Newcastle has to say about it? If he is correct in his assumptions, and they are no more than assumptions, is it not important that the information available from them should be made known to the public?

Mr. Robinson

There is no conclusive evidence available at the moment but there are indications that male circumcision may be a factor in the lower incidence rate among Jewish women, and there is also the fact that the death rate from cancer of the uterine cervix in Israel in 1961 was only 1 per 100,000 compared with 10½ per 100,000 in England and Wales.

Mr. Shepherd

Will the right hon. Gentleman publicise this? The disease is so lethal that anything we can do to reduce its incidence and save life should be urgently pursued.

Mr. Robinson

No doubt the Question and Answer will get publicity, but I want to be certain that this is the cause before making any definite statement on the subject.