Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what comparative assessment her Department has made of the prevalence of colorectal cancers in (a) the North East and (b) rest of the country; what assessment she has made of the reasons for potential disparities; and what steps she is taking to reduce disparities.

There are many factors which affect the risk of developing cancer, including age, genetic factors and lifestyle factors. Geographic variation in the distribution of these factors could influence disease incidence. Efforts to support cancer prevention and improve the health of people and communities may help to reduce variation in cancer incidence.

The Northern Cancer Alliance commissions and supports cancer awareness workers in the North East and North Cumbria to work in communities, especially those affected by health inequalities, to promote the uptake of bowel screening and highlight cancer prevention messages, including healthy eating.

Bowel screening uptake in Newcastle and the North East has improved in recent years since the introduction of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT). This test is easier to use and more sensitive in detecting bowel conditions which need further investigation and treatment. The implementation of FIT in primary care for people with colorectal symptoms has been supported by raising community awareness and increased uptake and sensitivity of bowel cancer screening. Work also continues to ensure equitable access to the test including support for people with visual impairment and people without English as a first language. The regional learning disability network is also ensuring that people with learning disabilities are offered support alongside the offer of screening.