Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions her Department has had with the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education on teaching the importance of early detection of testicular cancer to young people.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

It is important to educate people about the causes and symptoms of cancer and the department is supportive of efforts to do this at an early age.

The revised relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) statutory guidance was published on 15 July. Cancer awareness and other specific cancer-related content is included. At secondary school, as part of the ‘Health protection and prevention, and understanding the healthcare system’ topic, pupils are taught the importance of taking responsibility for their own health and the benefits of regular self-examination and screening.

Schools may also teach about cancer awareness in other areas of the national curriculum. For example, the secondary science curriculum ensures pupils are taught about non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, and the impact of lifestyle factors on the incidence of these diseases. Furthermore, in design and food technology, schools highlight the importance of nutrition and a healthy diet.