Written questions by Campbell.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 January 2026 to Question 106495, what assessment has been made of the reasons for the 25% reduction in the numbers of those aged 75 and over self referring for bowel cancer screening between 2023 and 2024.

Improving cancer services is a priority for the Government. We will get the National Health Service diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster so that more patients survive, and we will improve patients’ experience across the system.The bowel cancer screening programme primarily focuses on uptake and coverage of those eligible for screening, those aged 50 to 74 years old, and how these individuals progress through the pathway for additional diagnostic tests where required. As those over 75 years old self-referring fall outside the primary cohort no analysis has been made of the fluctuations in numbers.Over 75s can still ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline. Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to seek medical advice immediately.

If he will hold discussions with his counterparts in the devolved Administrations on the potential impact of prioritising UK medical graduates in the 10 Year Health Plan on staffing levels.

The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 13 January 2026. The bill delivers the Government’s commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan for England, published in July 2025, to prioritise United Kingdom medical graduates for foundation training, and to prioritise UK medical graduates and other doctors who have worked in the National Health Service for a significant period for specialty training.The bill extends and applies across the UK. Health workforce planning and access to medical training are devolved matters. However, the process of recruitment and the allocation of foundation and specialty training places is undertaken on a UK-wide basis, and we are committed to keeping that consistency.Department ministers have worked closely with their counterparts on the draft bill and alongside this, officials have been working closely and constructively with colleagues across all devolved administrations as we shape these proposals, and will continue to do so.

How many people over 75 self referred for bowel cancer screening in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024.

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme plays a vital role in the Government's ambition to change the National Health Service so that it diagnoses earlier and treats faster.Although people aged 75 years old and over are not routinely invited, they can self-refer and ask for a bowel cancer screening kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline.In 2023, 132,425 people aged 75 years old and over requested a test kit. Of these, 99% completed the screening test.In 2024, 99,516 people aged 75 years old and over requested a test kit, with 98% completing the screening test.

Following the recent announcement by NHS England that a life-extending drug for prostate cancer will shortly be available on the NHS, if he will hold discussions with the Northern Ireland Health Minister on providing that drug to patients in Northern Ireland.

There are no current plans to hold discussions with the Northern Ireland Health Minister on abiraterone access in Northern Ireland. Decisions on the availability of medicines in Northern Ireland are a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive.

What change has there been in diagnosis rates for genetic haemochromatosis during the past three years.

NHS England requires the NHS Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs) to report Patient Level Contract Monitoring data, to understand capacity and activity volumes, to ensure that they deliver a comprehensive testing offer. As of December 2023, National Health Service genomic testing activity data has been published on the NHS England website, at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/genomic-testing-activity/NHS England is continuing to work with the NHS GLHs to develop this dataset, including routinely reporting outcome data, to understand changes in diagnosis rates. The most recent data between 2024/25 and 2025/26 shows that the diagnosis rates for genetic hemochromatosis have been consistent. Work is ongoing to improve the quality of this outcome data, including the reporting requirements and improving the informatics systems that support the data collection.

When does he expect to receive the outcome of the Prostate Cancer UK-led Transform screening trial.

The Government is partnering with Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) on the £42 million TRANSFORM screening trial to find the best way to screen men for prostate cancer to find it before it becomes advanced and harder to treat. PCUK is managing the award on behalf of the funders, with the Government contributing £16 million through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).In November 2025, the TRANSFORM trial began recruitment as part of the initial 16,000 men taking part in stage one, from 2025 to 2027, which will test new techniques against the current National Health Service diagnostic pathway. Although the TRANSFORM trial will run for over a decade, there will be multiple points during the trial where new evidence will be generated, with stage 1 due to end in April 2027.The UK National Screening Committee are working closely with the TRANSFORM trial team and will assess new evidence as it becomes available. This will ensure that prostate cancer policy is kept at the forefront of the Government’s cancer agenda.The NIHR continues to encourage and welcome applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including prostate cancer.

Pursuant to WPQ 51812, what assessment he has made of the reliability of BMI testing, in the context of the Global Burden of Disease’s indication that one of the main contributory causes of type 2 diabetes is high body mass index.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for developing evidence-based guidance for the National Health Service.NICE has published guidance on the management of overweight and obesity. The guidance recommends that body mass index (BMI) is used as a practical measure of overweight and obesity. It acknowledges the limitations of BMI, highlighting that the measurement should be interpreted with caution because it is not a direct measure of abdominal fat. In adults with a BMI below 35 kilogram per meter of height squared, waist to height ratio is also recommended. These measurements together can be used to help assess and predict health risks, such as type 2 diabetes.NICE also recommends lower BMI cut offs for certain ethnic minority groups, as they are prone to higher levels of abdominal fat and have an increased risk of developing certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, at a lower BMI.

What steps he is taking to ensure that men at highest risk of prostate cancer take part in screening trials.

The Government and Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) have partnered together on the £42 million TRANSFORM screening trial to find the best way to screen men for prostate cancer, to find it before it becomes advanced and harder to treat. PCUK is leading the development of the trial, with the Government contributing £16 million through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The TRANSFORM trial will aim to address some of the inequalities that exist in prostate cancer diagnosis. For example, one in four black men will develop prostate cancer, double the risk of other men, and often at a younger age. The trial will ensure that at least 10% of the men who are invited to participate in the trial are black.

Whether he plans to recognise and support Kevin Sinfield CBE's fundraising for motor neurone disease.

We pay tribute to the outstanding work that Kevin Sinfield had done to raise money for motor neurone disease (MND) charities and raise awareness of the condition. It will truly make a huge difference to those living with MND and their loved ones. We welcome the recent opening of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds. Kevin Sinfield’s fundraising was instrumental to this centre being upbuilt. The Government is investing in MND research across a range of areas, including an £8 million investment via the National Institute for Health and Care Research into the EXPERTS-ALS study, a pre-clinical study which is designed to accelerate the identification and testing of the most promising treatment candidates for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, the most common form of MND. The MND Translational Accelerator, supported by £6 million of Government funding, is connecting the UK Dementia Research Institute, the UK MND Research Institute, and Dementias Platform UK. Twelve projects have been funded through the Accelerator, with all aimed at speeding up the development of treatments for MND.

Whether the NHS Federated Data Platform has completed roll out to all NHS trusts and integrated care systems.

The progress of the NHS Federated Data Platform’s uptake and deployment has exceeded programme expectations, surpassing the projected uptake. The programme planned to deliver to all National Health Service trusts and integrated care boards (ICBs) by 2027, based on a phased implementation over four and a half years. As of 27 November, the programme has signed up 41 of the 42 ICBs and a total of 165 trusts through a formal Memorandum of Understanding, with 122 trusts live or in delivery. Of those trusts signed up to the platform, there are 127 acute trusts, nine community trusts, 26 mental health trusts, and three ambulance trusts. It is anticipated that by the end of its third year the programme will have deployed tenancies to all 246 organisations.

When he expects to receive the finalised report of the study into mesh complication surgery by the National Institute for Health and Care Research study.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the research delivery arm of the Department, funds and supports a range of research to support women’s health conditions, including pelvic organ prolapse.In May 2023 the NIHR commissioned a £1.6 million study to develop a validated patient reported outcome measure for prolapse, incontinence, and mesh complication surgery, to better understand the short and long-term health impacts of pelvic mesh surgery. Further information is available at the following link:https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR152187This study is expected to report its findings in April 2026. The NIHR is also funding a study which will look at the long term effectiveness of surgical treatment for prolapse including pelvic mesh, with further information available at the following link:https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR133665The NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health including the use of vaginal mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.

When does he expect to receive the results of the Generation Study.

The 10-Year Health Plan set out an ambition to “implement universal genomic testing” within the next decade. Delivering against this ambition will be subject to evidence gathered through the Generation Study. This research programme is evaluating the effectiveness of using whole genome sequencing to test 100,000 newborns for genetic mutations associated with more than 200 rare genetic conditions. The sequencing of 100,000 newborns through the study will be completed by summer 2027. The evaluation part of the study will then be completed and presented to the UK National Screening Committee who will make a recommendation to Government ministers on whether newborn genomic screening should be offered in the National Health Service or whether more research is required. Subject to this, and appropriate funding being available, genomic testing could be available for all newborns by 2035.

When he plans to respond to Question 85105, tabled on 27 October 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 November 2025 to Question 85105.

What discussions he has had with NHS England on the level of risk of vaping on (a) fertility and (b) pregnancy.

The current evidence is clear that vaping is safer than smoking, including the impact on fertility and pregnancy. Smoking affects the ability to conceive for both men and women, with all stages of reproductive function affected by tobacco toxicants. Pregnant women are especially advised to quit smoking, due to the two-fold increased risk of low birthweight, 27% increase in premature birth, 32% increase in miscarriage, and 47% increase in stillbirth.Whilst research in this area is limited, a study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research found that vaping can be a more effective cessation aid for pregnant women than traditional nicotine replacement therapies, with almost twice as many women in this study quitting smoking with vapes rather than with nicotine patches. Importantly, this study concluded that the safety of vapes for use during pregnancy was similar to that of nicotine patches.However, the long-term harms of vaping are not fully known. Therefore, non-smokers should not vape.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the reduction in the qualifying age for bowel cancer screening on detection rates in the past five years.

The final roll out of this policy only concluded in April 2025. As such, NHS England has not yet made any formal assessment of the impact of lowering the age for bowel cancer screening down to 50 on detection rates.However, when making the recommendation to extend the screening age, from 60- to 74- year olds to 50- to 74- year olds, and to replace the faecal occult blood test with the faecal immunochemical test at the current test sensitivity threshold of 120 micrograms of haemoglobin per gram of faeces, these two activities combined were estimated to nearly double the number of colorectal cancer incidences detected and mortality reduced.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure more widespread availability of the drug 2-HDP.

We are pleased to see promising results from the Queen's University Belfast study into the novel drug known as 2-Hydrazino-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine (2-HDP). This demonstrates the strength of the United Kingdom’s clinical research environment and the important role played by patient organisations such as Diabetes UK.This is early-stage research and further studies, including clinical trials, are required before it can be made available to patients. We look forward to seeing how it progresses.In the UK, medicines need to have a licence before they can be marketed. These are granted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Licences confirm the health condition the medicine should be used for and the recommended dosage. To get a licence, the manufacturer of the medicine has to provide evidence which shows that the medicine is safe and effective enough to be used for a specific condition and for a specific group of patients, and that they can manufacture the medicine to the required quality.The anticipated licensing timelines for 2-HDP are currently unknown, but the MHRA and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence liaise closely with pharmaceutical companies on their plans with respect to regulatory approval in the UK to support timely access to clinically and cost-effective licensed medicines for National Health Service patients.

How many and what proportion of people aged 75 years and over have requested a bowel screening kit by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline in the last two years.

The National Health Service bowel cancer screening programme’s published data for 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2024 shows that 396,325 people self-referred or opted back into the programme within the year. This includes ‘over-age self-referrals’, those aged 75 years old and over who are not invited routinely, and also ‘late responder self-referrals’ who have not responded to the initial invitation but have later chosen to participate. This data cannot be disaggregated into each of the categories listed. This data is provided in the Bowel cancer screening standards data report 2022/23 and the Bowel cancer screening standards data report 2023/24, which are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-cancer-screening-annual-report-2022-to-2023/bowel-cancer-screening-standards-data-report-2022-23https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bowel-cancer-screening-annual-report-2023-to-2024/bowel-cancer-screening-standards-data-report-2023-24Additional unpublished data available to the programme shows that for this time period, from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2024, 224,665 requests were made for self-referrals from individuals who are aged 75 years old and over. We are unable to identify if all of these requests were made via the bowel screening helpline. The total number of people aged 75 years old and over is 5,736,072, sourced from the Patients Registered at a GP Practice, October 2025 dataset, which is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/patients-registered-at-a-gp-practice/october-2025

How often the UK National Screening Committee met in 2024; and in what format it met.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) usually meets three times a year. In 2024 the UK NSC met twice, firstly in March, in an online format, and again in November, in person with online facilities available. The June meeting did not take place as it fell in between the pre-election period of 25 May to 4 July ahead of the United Kingdom general election. Information about the UK NSC’s meetings and minutes can be found at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-nsc-meetings-and-minutes

What progress he is making on finding (a) a cure and (b) improved treatments for people with Huntingtons disease.

We recognise the significant challenges faced by those living with rare diseases such as Huntington’s disease. Although there is currently no cure for the disease, there are efforts to ensure that innovative treatments and research opportunities reach patients and improve outcomes for those affected by Huntington’s disease. The Department supports research into Huntington’s disease through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR invests not only in individual studies but also in world-class research centres, a dedicated delivery workforce, and specialist facilities across the National Health Service. This infrastructure supports pioneering research into Huntington's, including the positive preliminary results for a novel gene therapy reported last month. The NIHR’s Be Part of Research service helps people find and participate in relevant research. There are eight Huntington’s disease studies currently recruiting.The UK Rare Diseases Framework identifies four main priorities, including improving access to specialist care, treatments, and drugs. In February 2025, we published the England annual action plan, which outlines the steps we have taken to advance this priority.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition's report entitled SACN statement on the WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners: summary, published on 2 April 2025.

In its statement, the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) concluded that the evidence of a risk to health from consuming non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) is inconsistent. It also made a precautionary recommendation that intakes of NSS be minimised. With greater certainty of the impact of sugars on health, the SACN recommended that “swapping sugars for NSS may help reduce sugar intake from foods and drinks (and so reduce energy intake), at least in the short term. The long-term goal is to limit both sugar and NSS intake”.A number of Government policies encourage businesses to reduce sugar levels in products. As a result of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, the sugar levels of the drinks included within the levy have reduced by nearly half, or 47% specifically, and through other policies reductions of approximately 15% have been seen in breakfast cereals, with reductions of over 13% and approximately 7% also having been seen in yogurts and ice creams, respectively. Sugar levels in pre-packed milk-based drinks have also reduced by approximately 32%.For the levy, the sugar that has been removed has largely been replaced with sweeteners, although this is not the case for all of the drinks included in the scope of the levy where sugar levels have been reduced. Sweeteners have not been used in food products to such a great extent, which is generally due to legislative or business-related restrictions, the latter largely arising because of consumer concerns around their usage.It is ultimately up to businesses to decide if and the extent to which they use sweeteners in their products, where these are permitted for use. It is recognised, however, that there are benefits to not replacing the sugar removed with sweeteners as these maintain a highly sweet taste in a product, rather than allowing palates to adapt to having less sugar in food and drink.