AQO 7973/11-15

Mr Peter Weir
Democratic Unionist Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 26/03/2015
Answered On Date: 20/04/2015
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what discussions he has had with regard to improving the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Answer:

Early pancreatic cancer does not usually produce symptoms and can be hard to detect; by the time symptoms are apparent the cancer may be well advanced and late diagnosis can lead to poorer outcomes. I took part in an Assembly debate on pancreatic cancer in November last year which focussed on the need for earlier diagnosis and better public awareness. I was happy to speak in support of the work of GPs and other health professionals to boost early diagnosis rates, reduce misdiagnosis and make every effort to improve pancreatic cancer survival rates across Northern Ireland.

The Public Health Agency recently launched the Be Cancer Aware public information campaign. This 3-year campaign aims to: improve knowledge and awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer; reduce attitudinal barriers preventing individuals from seeking clinical advice as early as possible; and, improve awareness and knowledge of the effectiveness of cancer treatment and associated improved survival rates.