§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by health board in Scotland the numbers of women who are at present being treated for breast cancer.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Scottish health statistics for 1984 (the latest year available) shows that during that year there were 6,936 discharges from the in-patient facilities of Scottish general hospitals of cases where the principal diagnosis was breast cancer.
The figures analysed by health board area are set out in the table.
Number Argyll and Clyde 464 Ayrshire and Arran 525 Borders 166 Dumfries and Galloway 185 Fife 505 Forth Valley 362 Grampian 572 Greater Glasgow 1,031 Highland 280 Lanarkshire 962 Lothian 1,229 Orkney 19 Shetland 41 Tayside 544 Western Isles 51
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will introduce a programme of voluntary comprehensive breast screening using mammography for all women over 50 years of age; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will establish a comprehensive screening programme for the investigation, diagnosis, treatment and support of women with mammographic abnormalities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayIn accordance with the recommendations of an expert national committee, a programme of trials was introduced in England and Scotland in 1979 to establish the practicability and efficacy of screening methods in the reduction of mortality from breast cancer. These trials are due for completion in 1987.
22WMeanwhile, following the publication of encouraging results from studies overseas, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health announced on 18 July 1985 the establishment of a working group to consider the information available on breast cancer screening by mammography and the extent to which this suggests any changes in United Kingdom policy on the provision of mammographic facilities and the screening of symptomless women.
The working group has considered the evidence available from all sources and has issued an interim report, copies of which have been placed in the Library. The group is due to submit its final report later this year. This should set out the policy options for the development of breast cancer screening, the respective costs and benefits, and the overall implications for the National Health Service. It would be premature to anticipate the advice of the working group before the completion of their remit.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many women died as a result of breast cancer in Scotland during the years 1980 to 1985.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe figures are as follows:
Female breast cancer deaths in Scotland Number 1980 1,214 1981 1,175 1982 1,228 1983 1,262 1984 1,242 1985 *1,247 * Provisional figure.