Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of a diagnosis of cancer during (a) pregnancy and (b) maternity leave on a mother's physical health, mental wellbeing and access to treatment.

The Government recognises that a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy or maternity leave can have a significant impact on women and their families.

The National Cancer Plan sets out how we will provide support to people with cancer before, during, and after their treatment, including for pregnant or postnatal women. Everyone should get a personalised needs assessment and personal cancer plan that takes into account their wider psychological and social needs, including the impact of pregnancy where relevant.

Health professionals should provide integrated care for pregnant women facing serious physical illnesses and mental health challenges. Significant progress has been made across England in recent years to transform and increase access to specialist perinatal mental health services.