§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what Government funding is available for publishing cancer information to(a) the public and (b) medical professionals; [80274]
(2) what proposals he has to publicise cancer care information on the internet. [80275]
§ Mr. HuttonAs part of the wider health information strategy, a Cancer Information Strategy is currently being developed which will streamline information sources. Areas for action identified include developing a core cancer information pack for patients, carers and other users; information requirements of primary care; and patient centred information systems. The new National Health Service Information Strategy and the Cancer Information Strategy will support the new NHS in its development of integrated care, in which the focus is on people and their needs rather than institutions.
648WThe overall strategy will take some time to complete and initial work has started to specify the relevant components of the strategy and to identify the cancer information requirements for all user groups and will include a business case to justify the investment in information in relation to the benefits to be achieved. The Cancer Information Strategy Steering Group will be making an interim report in September.