HC Deb 23 January 1990 vol 165 c675W
102. Ms. Armstrong

To 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 Bottomley

The 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. Summerson

To 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. Freeman

The 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