§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set a target for reduction in breast cancer mortality in women aged over 65 years. [38152]
§ Mr. BoatengCancer is one of the four priority areas identified in the Green Paper,Our Healthier Nation, which was published for consultation on 5 February 1998. At present, the strategy proposes a national target to reduce the death rate from cancer amongst people aged under 65 years by at least a fifth by 2010. This will also benefit those aged over 65 years. A decision on whether this national target should be modified will be made in the light of consultation responses. The Green Paper also emphasises the need for local targets to identify particular areas of local concern.
We are committed to reducing breast cancer mortality for all women. The new National Health Service White Paper gives a guarantee that everyone with suspected breast cancer will be able to see a specialist within two weeks of general practitioner referral.