§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce measures to improve the degree to which the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys keeps its records on cancer-related diseases up to date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe OPCS publishes annual cancer statistics using data collected by 11 regional registries and the Wales cancer registry which are funded by the regional health authorities.
The timing of publications is largely governed by when the slowest regional cancer registry provides OPCS with data. For 1985, data from the last registry was not received until September 1989. The volume giving 1985 registration data is expected to be published in April 1990, with that for 1986 following in July 1990.
A recent review of the cancer registration system was undertaken, with timeliness of data presentation one of the considerations looked at by the working party. The report of the review is due in April 1990.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to require district health authorities to maintain records on the number of people in their areas who have been diagnosed or treated for cancer or cancer-related diseases, including leukaemia; and if' he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanHealth authorities already participate in a national scheme, which will continue, for recording the incidence of cancers, including leukaemia. Records on the in-patient and day-care treatment of cancers are held in the information systems of district health authorities.