§ 102. Ms. ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Northern regional health authority with regard to the incidence of cervical cancer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer varies considerably geographically and within various groups within the population. The main strategy for dealing with the disease is through a programme of early detection based on population screening programmes. I understand from the Northern regional health authority that it is well within target in covering its population through a comprehensive screening programme.
§ 109. Mr. SummersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in the number of deaths from cervical cancer between 1978 and 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe information is shown in the table:
Deaths from cancer of the cervix in England and Wales for the years 1978 to 1988 Year Deaths 1978 2,153 1979 2,087 1980 2,068 1981 2,017 1982 1,932 1983 1,959 1984 1,899 1985 1,957 1986 2,004 1987 1,903 1988 1,942