Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to tackle regional variation in the early diagnosis of cancer.

NHS England and NHS Improvement are delivering projects to tackle identified inequalities in cancer care, including the stage of diagnosis. The Targeted Lung Health Check programme offers lung health checks to current and former smokers aged between 55 and 74 years old.

Cancer Alliances also target patient groups within the local system where early diagnosis rates are lower. Through Cancer Alliances, the National Health Service is funding local awareness campaigns with specific community and patient groups and tailored approaches aimed at identifying those who may not have consulted their general practitioner regarding possible symptoms. Local systems are expected to support general practice capacity where most patients will present. In 2022/23, Primary Care Networks are required to implement actions to improve the referral practice for suspected cancers, particularly among people from disadvantaged areas where early diagnosis rates are lower.