Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of increasing funding for ovarian cancer research within NHS services in Surrey Heath constituency.

Research is crucial in tackling cancer, which is why the Department invests £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Cancer is one of the largest areas of spend at over £141.6 million in 2024/25, reflecting its high priority.

Examples of NIHR investments in ovarian cancer research includes the ROCkeTS study, which aims to identify the best diagnostic tests for ovarian cancer. The NIHR has also funded the MR in Ovarian Cancer study, which studies the impact of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging on the staging and management of patients with ovarian cancer.

The Frimley Park Integrated Care System, located within the Surrey Heath constituency, is part of the NIHR’s Research Delivery Network, and plays a key role in supporting the delivery of research, including into ovarian cancer.

The NIHR continues to welcome high quality funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including ovarian cancer research.

The forthcoming National Cancer Plan will include further details on how the National Health Service will improve diagnosis and outcomes, including through research, for all cancer patients in England, including for ovarian cancer.