§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the percentage take-up is of breast cancer screening among the relevant population in the Redbridge and Waltham Forest area; how this compares to the national average; what activities and extra resources are being allocated to increase take-up; and if he will make a statement. [39002]
§ Yvette CooperBreast cancer screening services are provided by Epping Primary Care Trust for Redbridge and Whipps Cross hospital for Waltham Forest. The national target for women accepting their invitations for screening is 70 per cent. In 2000–01 nationally, 75.3 per cent. of 159W women aged 50 to 64 invited for screening were screened. The figure for Epping was 70.5 per cent. The figure for Whipps Cross hospital was 66.7 per cent. Both figures for Epping and Whipps Cross hospital are higher than the regional average of 62.4 per cent.
Whipps Cross hospital recognises that health education remains a high priority. The service regularly visits general practitioners' practices to promote screening and has given talks to women's groups in the community. Epping PCT is considering an advertising campaign among younger Asian women to encourage older family members to be screened.