HL Deb 26 June 1990 vol 520 cc1605-6WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the opinion of their medical advisers of the report, After Screening (a report on diagnostic services for breast cancer in the Greater London area), by Sue Kerrison and Naomi Pfeffer, on the subject of the National Breast Cancer Screening Programme.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Hooper)

The reportAfter Screening, a copy of which is available in the Library, describes diagnostic services for breast cancer in Greater London and comments on the possible effects on them of the introduction of the new breast cancer screening programme. The report is based on information gathered in 1988 during the early stages of implementation of the breast screening programme, with some updating in 1989. The adverse effects described can also be attributed to other causes. The authors acknowledge some improvement in diagnostic services resulting from the wider introduction of the screening programme. The Government remain committed to the breast cancer screening programme, which we believe will help to reduce mortality from this disease.