Johnson: Govt is determined to do more

Despite the number of lives saved so far by the NHS breast and cervical screening programme the government is "determined to do more", according to Alan Johnson.

The health secretary welcomed figures on screening released to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the programme, saying it is "an ideal opportunity to remind people about the vital role screening plays in prevention and early diagnosis".

He added that these are "key parts" of the government's cancer reform strategy announced in December.

Explaining the next steps to reduce deaths from breast and cervical cancer, Mr Johnson said: "We have introduced a new HPV vaccine to help reduce cervical cancer; will extend the breast cancer screening programme to all women aged 47 to 73 by 2012; and are investing £100 million in new digital mammography equipment."

He continued: "But the benefits of this investment cannot be fully recognised if people are unaware of how important screening is.

"We know, for example, that acceptance rates are lower in poorer communities and in BME [black and minority ethnic] communities, and that is why the cancer reform strategy set out the need for local health services to develop targeted programmes to increase screening uptake in these communities."