§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he will take to improve early detection of mouth cancer. [38102]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe chief dental officer is chairman of the National Advisory Group on Screening for Oral Cancer, a group recently formed to co-ordinate work in the detection and prevention of oral cancers. This will enable dentists to be provided with information needed to examine the oral health of their patients more effectively.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients with mouth cancer were first seen by their dentist in each of the past 10 years prior to referral to hospital for treatment. [38103]
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not available centrally.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of the abolition of free dental check-ups on the incidence of mouth cancer patients who are referred to hospital only when the oral cancers are already large. [38104]
§ Mr. SackvilleRegular dental inspections offer ideal opportunities for dentists to check for oral cancer as a routine part of an oral examination. The latest information shows that the number of examinations is at approximately the same level as it was before the introduction of charges for examinations. Some 25 per cent. of adult courses of national health service treatment get full or partial relief from charges. All children are treated free of charge.
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§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will institute a survey of the evidence regarding the relationship between the availability of free dental check-ups and the early detection of mouth cancer. [38105]
§ Mr. SackvilleWe have no plans to do so.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to improve public education about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of mouth cancer. [38106]
§ Mr. SackvilleOral cancer can result from smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. Both areas are highlighted in general health education initiatives and health education. Dentists and doctors advise patients of the dangers of tobacco and alcohol.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what support his Department has provided for oral cancer work. [38109]
§ Mr. SackvilleDiagnosis of oral cancer is provided through the general and community dental services and treatment through the hospital dental service. The Department has commissioned research into oral health education.