HC Deb 11 December 2001 vol 376 cc729-30W
14. Mr. Havard

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the improvement of care for cancer patients. [19668]

Ms Blears

Enormous progress is being made in improving cancer services thanks to the efforts of frontline staff. Details are given in the first annual progress report "The NHS Cancer Plan—Making Progress" which was launched on 3 December. Copies are available in the Library.

17. Helen Southworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent progress has been made on speeding up diagnosis and treatment of cancer for patients. [19672]

Ms Blears

Between July to September 2001 91.3 per cent. of all urgent general practitioner referrals for suspected cancer were seen within two weeks. A programme of investment and reform is in place to support the rollout of new cancer waiting times targets to 2005.

19. Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress towards achieving the Government's target for the percentage of referred cancer patients seen within 14 days. [19674]

Ms Blears

Between July to September this year 91.3 per cent. of all urgent general practitioner referrals for suspected cancer were seen within two weeks. Over the period January to September 2001 over 233,500 people urgently referred with suspected cancer were seen by a specialist within two weeks.