HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 cc1201-3
3. Mr. Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities exist within Cambridgeshire for the screening of women for breast cancer and other mammary disorders.

The Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Mr. Roland Moyle)

In Cambridge Health District there are no routine "Well Women" clinics, but a full mammary advisory service is available at Addenbrooke's Hospital through referral by GPs.

There are two open access clinics for women in Peterborough Health District. One is at Doddington Hospital and the other at Peterborough District Hospital. Both clinics cater primarily for cervical smears, but the staff are willing to do breast examinations where patients request them.

Mr. Ward

In view of the concern being expressed by women's organisations in my constituency about the inadequacy of primary facilities, may I ask my hon. Friend what progress is being made in the development of secondary techniques for diagnosing this sort of condition?

Mr. Moyle

Secondary care for this sort of condition is vital. Further research is being commissioned through the Medical Research Council, and on the advice of a working group chaired by Sir Richard Doll screening trials are being set up in four localities. They will consist of two types, both replicated and with controls. They will take the form of, firstly, annual clinical examination over seven years with mammography every other year and, secondly, instruction in and encouragement to undertake regular self-examination, and direct referral to clinics. The sites selected are Edinburgh and Guildford for screening trials and Huddersfield and Nottingham for self-examination.

Mr. Freud

In view of the fact that I told the Minister's right hon. Friend and twice wrote to the Minister himself about a constituent who was in acute pain for 18 months while waiting for a cervical smear, does not the Minister feel slightly ashamed of the answer that he gave—a two-year waiting list in Cambridgeshire?

Mr. Moyle

There are a variety of reasons for waiting lists, but I informed the House that cervical smears were available at Doddington Hospital and at Peterborough District Hospital.

Mr. Freud

A two-year waiting list.

Mr. Pavitt

Will my hon. Friend accept that even more important than mammography and other techniques is the self-examination by a woman of her own problem? In order that she does not defer early diagnosis, will my hon. Friend ask the Health Education Council to have a massive campaign to get rid of fear, so that if there is just a calcified lump it can be removed without all the problems faced by women in regard to worry?

Mr. Moyle

As I have said, we are conducting trials to see what effect regular self-examination will have. Once we have conducted those trials, the position will be clear and we shall be able to decide whether to launch a campaign along the lines that my hon. Friend has suggested.

Mrs. Knight

What help and support does the Minister give to the Women's National Campaign for Cancer Control, particularly in its excellent educative work on self-screening?

Mr. Moyle

I should want notice about that question if I were to inform the House about the question of grant. However, we are most anxious to establish what the effectiveness of screening facilities of this sort will be, because it is probably the key to treatment in this particular field. That is why we are conducting the tests.