§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of hepatitis C infection levels of Government cancer strategy in relation to liver cancer. [132117]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 24 July 2000]: Studies carried out in a number of countries have shown that a percentage (generally about 1–5 per cent.) of individuals with chronic hepatitis C infection may progress to primary hepatocellular cancer. The Public Health Laboratory Service, in association with the British Association for the Study of the Liver, is setting up a surveillance system to monitor end stage liver disease attributed to hepatitis C.
As part of our modernisation programme for the National Health Service, we are taking action on a number of fronts to ensure prompt access to cancer diagnosis and treatment across the country. This will include improving liver cancer services.