English health authorities and trusts are failing to meet NHS Executive guidelines on breast cancer treatment according to a survey commissioned by MPs.

The survey found that only 13 per cent of trusts are carrying out triple assessments on a single visit, a key recommendation of the guidelines issued two years ago.

Most of the 85 HAs that responded to the survey had no adequate mechanisms for auditing or monitoring the implementation of the guidelines.

Labour MP Judith Church, who is secretary of the all-party parliamentary group on breast cancer, said the survey results gave serious cause for concern.

'We have an excellent set of guidelines, produced after wide consultation and respected by everyone in the world of breast cancer, but we have no means for ensuring that they are implemented,' she said.

The parliamentary breast cancer group is urging health secretary Frank Dobson to take action to ensure that the guidelines are implemented.

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