§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will list the number of women diagnosed as having breast cancer in the Central Nottinghamshire health authority area, together with the percentage of the totals screened for the years 1979–87, inclusive;
629W(2) if he will list the numbers of women on whom breast cancer screening was carried out in the Central Nottinghamshire health authority area for the years 1979–87 inclusive;
(3) if he will list the number of women who sought breast cancer screening in the Central Nottinghamshire health authority area for the years 1979–87 inclusive;
(4) if he will list the funds made available for breast cancer screening in the Central Nottinghamshire health authority area for the years 1979–1987 inclusive.
§ Mrs. CurrieI regret that the information requested is not centrally available.
In 1979 the Government funded a seven-year, multi-centre, research trial in the United Kingdom to compare the effectiveness of different methods of early detection of breast cancer. The total financial support provided was £5 million. Nottingham was one of two centres testing the effectiveness of breast self-examination and women there were taught how to perform the examination and encouraged to report any abnormalities found. Diagnostic breast clinics were available for those who found abnormalities. The trial is not yet complete. A first report is expected later this year.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if National Health Service breast cancer screening is available on demand to women who reside or work in the Central Nottinghamshire health authority area; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will list the facilities available for breast cancer screening in the Central Nottinghamshire health authority area;
(3) if he will list the facilities available for breast cancer screening in the Barnet health authority area;
(4) if he will list the facilities available for breast cancer screening in the Southern Derbyshire health authority area;
(5) if he will list the facilities available for breast cancer screening in the Leicester health authority area;
(6) if he will list the facilities available for breast cancer screening in the Croydon health authority area.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe programme for the national breast cancer screening service envisages a nationwide network of some 100 centres, each serving a population of about 500,000. All women between 50 and 64 will be invited for screening by mammography every three years, using computerised call and recall system. Older women will be screened on request. The programme will also involve the provision of the necessary back-up facilities for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and aftercare.
Each regional health authority in England was allocated about one third of a million pounds in the current financial year to establish at least one centre by the end of March. The Government's cash plans include provision to meet the full, continuing estimated costs of the remaining centres to be set up by spring 1990.
The first centre to be established in Trent regional health authority is located in Nottingham. It is one of four centres which will provide training for staff for the national programme and has received additional funds for this work. The first centre to be established in North West Thames regional health authority is located in Barnet. The 630W population of Southern Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Croydon health authorities will be served by centres to be set up over the next two years.
More detailed information can be obtained from the Regional Health Authorities concerned.