§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many breast screening units(a) failed to reach the national minimum standard for breast cancer detection in 1997, (b) reached the national minimum standard for breast cancer detection in 1997 but failed to reach the national expected standard and (c) reached the national expected standard for breast cancer detection in 1997; and if he will indicate for (a) to (c) how many of the units used (i) single and (ii) two view mammography at incident breast screening rounds. [39564]
§ Mr. BoatengAnnual data on the breast screening programme are for the period 1 April to 31 March. Data for 1997–98 will not be available until early 1999, when all women screened between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998 will have undergone appropriate follow-up and cancer detection rates identified.
For figures for 1996–97 I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 7 April 1998, Official Report, columns 193–94.
§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assumptions are made about take-up rates in the over 65 years age group for breast cancer screening when the Government allocate funding to health authorities. [39562]
§ Mr. BoatengThe National Health Service breast screening programme invites women aged 50–64 for screening by mammography every three years, with screening for older women available three-yearly on request.
121WHealth authorities are given general allocations to commission all hospital and community health services for their resident population.
It is for individual health authorities to decide the level and type of services commissioned, in partnership with local general practitioners and through consultation with other agencies and local people, taking account of local circumstances and national policies and priorities.