§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to encourage public awareness of the symptoms that, if they persist, can indicate cancer;
- (2) if he will list the publications in which the Health Education Council has given advice on the symptoms that the public should look out for as they might indicate cancer; and if he will list the symptoms and the cancers they may indicate;
- (3) how many copies of the leaflet, "Can you avoid Cancer?", have been printed by the Health Education Council; and to whom, and what organisations, they have been circulated;
- (4) what proportion of the budget of the Health Education Council is spent on activities related to cancer and in particular to cancer prevention; and if he will list the ways in which the council publicises cancer prevention.
§ Mr. WhitneyMalignant tumours can affect many organs and tissues of the body, and the symptoms to which they give rise are correspondingly various. To avoid arousing unnecessary alarm over minor symptoms as much as to prevent neglect of potentially serious ones, health education about cancer needs to be carefully conducted. Accordingly the preferred approach is to encourage people to consult a doctor about changes in their normal health which last longer than a short time.
The Health Education Council has produced two publications specifically about cancer. "Can You Avoid Cancer?" gives information on possible contributory factors and suggests action that individuals can take to reduce the risks. 500,000 copies of the publication were produced to support a television series of the same name. Members of the public were sent copies on request; individuals and organisations on the council's subscription list received a copy automatically. Copies also went to all National Health Service health education units to distribute to the public, health professionals and organisations. The booklet gives examples of symptoms which call for medical advice, such as persistent hoarseness or coughing, unexpected bleeding or a lump, but the emphasis is on the need to ask a doctor about unexplained changes in normal health lasting more than two weeks.
The council's leaflet about breast cancer, "A Guide to Examining Your Breasts", lists the signs to look for as part of a regular examination including changes in nipples, veins or breast size.
The council estimates that it spends about 20 per cent. of its budget, or some £2 million, on activities related to cancer prevention. Its smoking education programme is a major source of such activity and its alcohol and nutrition work also contribute. The council disseminates its advice and information through many channels, including television, radio, newspaper publicity, printed material 494W intended for a wide range of audiences, workshops and seminars for health workers educational materials for schools, and so on.