THE State Government is considering cutting cancer screening programs as part of the mini-budget next month, according to a leaked document obtained by the State Opposition - a move the Government has denied.

Among other measures believed to be under consideration is an increase in poker machine taxes.

The leaked document shows that the Government is considering merging the Cancer Institute back with the Department of Health, and that there would be cuts in cancer screening, saving $6 million.

The Government said yesterday that it had decided against the changes.

A spokesman, Alex Cramb, denied the Government had made the decision once the prospect of cuts was in the public domain.