§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the difference in cancer survival rates between the UK and other European countries; and if he will make a statement. [10748]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 31 October 2001]: The NHS Cancer Plan detailed that while other developed countries have broadly similar incidence of cancer, there is evidence to suggest that, for many cancers, survival 250W rates for patients diagnosed a decade ago are lower in this country than in comparable European countries. The actions set out in the plan will mean that England will have the fastest improvement in cancer services across Europe over the next five years and eventually a reduction in the death rate from cancer among people aged under 75 years by at least 20 per cent. by 2010.