Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support efficient cancer diagnosis and referral services while the NHS tackles the omicron covid-19 variant and strategically prepares for the future.

Between March 2020 and October 2021, general practitioners referred over 3.8 million people with suspected cancer and over 487,000 patients started cancer treatment, with 95% of patients starting treatment within a month.

National Health Service systems have been asked to maintain rapid access, including tests and checks for patients with suspected cancer and screening services. Cancer pathways have been adapted with advice on streamlining cancer diagnostic pathways and protecting against COVID-19 infection. The use of independent sector capacity for cancer services is being maximised, where clinically appropriate. Patients are involved in decisions on their care, including where it may be rescheduled. Anyone with concerning symptoms is encouraged to come forward, in line with our ‘Help us, help you’ campaign.