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 reduce the gap between breast cancer outcomes in the most and least deprived areas.

Reducing inequalities in cancer outcomes is a key priority for the Government. Through the National Cancer Plan for England, we are taking action to narrow the gap in breast cancer outcomes between the most and least deprived communities by improving earlier diagnosis, expanding access to diagnostic services, reducing unwarranted variation in care, and ensuring people receive personalised support throughout their cancer journey.

The plan includes targeted and risk-stratified approaches to screening and diagnosis, measures to improve uptake among underserved groups, and support for the use of artificial intelligence in breast screening to help detect cancers earlier. It also expands access to diagnostic services through investment in community diagnostic centres and diagnostic infrastructure.

To reduce unwarranted variation in care, NHS England has published guidance on implementing a timed breast cancer diagnostic pathway to support faster and more consistent diagnosis, improve patient experience, and support delivery of the faster diagnosis standard. NHS England has also commissioned national clinical audits for primary and metastatic breast cancer to improve the consistency and quality of care. In addition, the plan strengthens the use of data to identify and tackle inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes, helping to ensure that all patients receive high-quality care regardless of where they live.

Together, these measures will help ensure that all patients have the best possible chance of timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved outcomes, regardless of where they live.