I have had a number of constituents contact me about support for people affected by pancreatic cancer.
The UK ranks 15th out of 16 European countries for five-year pancreatic cancer survival, so it is clear that more must be done to reduce the survival gap between pancreatic cancer and other cancers. For pancreatic cancer in particular, early detection, diagnosis and treatment is essential to improving outcomes.
The previous Government took several steps to try and achieve earlier diagnosis rates for all cancers, including pancreatic. I recognise the urgency of improving diagnosis times, and the time from diagnosis to treatment for pancreatic cancer. In January 2024 under the previous Government, NHS England relaunched the Help Us, Help You campaign, which is designed to increase awareness of red flag symptoms and help drive earlier diagnosis. This sits alongside NHS England’s work to support faster referral routes for people with non-specific symptoms that could be linked to a range of cancer types and increasing general practice direct access to diagnostic tests. I also welcome that NHS England is taking steps to deliver the Optimum Care Pathway led by Pancreatic Cancer UK and a new audit that will identify and promote best practice so that the quality of pancreatic cancer services can be improved for patients across the country.
The new Government has made a number of pledges to reduce waiting times and improve access to diagnostic scanners. I will be holding Ministers to account for delivering these pledges and driving earlier diagnosis and treatment for those living with pancreatic cancer.
