HC Deb 02 April 1996 vol 275 cc121-2W
Mr. Robert McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the recommendations of the third report of the Health Committee of Session 1994–95, HC 324, on breast cancer services he has implemented; and what sums he has allocated for further implementation of the recommendations. [23782]

Mr. Moss

Many of the recommendations are being taken forward at national level. Specific recommendations in relation to services have been considered by the cancer working group, which was established to review the current provision of cancer services in Northern Ireland and to make recommendations as to how the services can be improved for all cancer patients. I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this in the near future.

Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the figures for breast cancer among women in each range for which figures are collated; and if he will make a statement on the incidence of breast cancer in Northern Ireland relative to other parts of the United Kingdom. [23784]

Mr. Moss

Information on deaths from breast cancer is detailed in the tables. This shows that the death rate is lower in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the United Kingdom.

Annual average deaths from breast cancer by age in Northern Ireland 1989–93
Age Average deaths
25-30 0.4
30-35 3.4
35-40 6.6
40-45 18.0
45-50 21.0
50-55 25.8
55-60 35.4
60-65 37.4
65-70 37.4
70-75 34.4
75-80 35.0
80-85 28.2
85+ 32.2
Total 315.2
Deaths from breast cancer (per 100,000 women aged 20 or over)
1991 1992 1993
England 69.4 68.1 64.8
Wales 64.9 69.1 70.8
Scotland 63.8 62.2 63.6
Northern Ireland 65.6 59.1 56.6

Mr. McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will commission research into the incidence of breast cancer among women who have their first child after age 30 years; if he will arrange for publicity about the incidence; and what proposals he has for preventive monitoring schemes. [23785]

Mr. Moss

There are no plans at present to commission such research. Information about incidence is included in publicity for both the breast screening programme and general health promotion programmes of health and social services boards and trusts. The breast screening programme is continuously monitored in order to maintain and improve its effectiveness.