Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of how the National Cancer Plan will improve outcomes across all rare and less common cancers, in particular asbestos-related mesothelioma; whether he plans to engage with specialist organisations delivering best practice, including those embedded within the NHS; such as Mesothelioma UK, and what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on addressing asbestos risks in schools as part of the Government’s cancer prevention strategy.

The National Cancer Plan, published on 4 February, sets out several actions and commitments on rare cancers, including mesothelioma, to be delivered within the next ten years.

These include appointing a national lead for rare cancers, prioritising access to specialist treatment for patients with rare cancers, and working with charities to improve post-treatment support. The National Cancer Plan underpins a proactive approach to early diagnosis of rare cancers by utilising new artificial intelligence support tools and supporting research improving detection of rare cancers in Multi-Cancer Detection Tests. Research of rare cancers is crucial to the development of novel diagnostic and treatment routes. The National Cancer Plan sets out how rare cancers will be a research priority, including implementing the Rare Cancers Act to expand trial access, and accelerating movement from foundational research to innovative treatments.

The Department of Health and Social Care is working across Government, and closely with partners including charities, the National Health Service, and specialist organisations to learn and share best practice, with the goal of improving the lives and outcomes of people with rare cancers, including mesothelioma. The Government also provides financial support available through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, and two lump sum compensation schemes delivered through the Department of Work and Pensions.