Tuesday 20th October 2020

(4 years ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Bethell Portrait Lord Bethell (Con)
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The noble Baroness puts her case extremely well. We have a massive investment in the NHS that spans physical infrastructure and staff, hospitals and investment in nurses. This will have a big impact on the diagnosis of cancer, which we are committed to getting as early as possible, as well as on treatment for cancer. Treatment with radiotherapy will form an important part of that.

Lord McColl of Dulwich Portrait Lord McColl of Dulwich (Con) [V]
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As there has been much more exposure to the sun this summer, there will be a greater incidence of melanoma. Does the Minister agree that screening is essential to detect melanomas before they spread rapidly and are fatal? If they are detected while they are less than 0.6 millimetres deep, they can be cured by a simple removal under local anaesthetic. Does he agree that this ought to be a priority for the task force?

Lord Bethell Portrait Lord Bethell (Con)
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My Lords, I completely and utterly agree with my noble friend.