PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

Hornchurch and Rainham MP James Brokenshire has welcomed news that a national prostate cancer screening programme is to be looked at.  The Department of Health have asked the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) to review new evidence on the effectiveness of prostate cancer screening programmes after one study suggested that death rates could be cut by as much as 20%.  Havering has one of the highest incidences of prostate cancer in London.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and affects almost as many men as breast cancer affects women.  There are 35,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year compared to 44,000 women with breast cancer. 10,000 men die of prostate cancer every year compared with just over 12,000 women that die of breast cancer each year.  Yet, whilst women are invited for a mammogram to screen for breast cancer, men are not currently screened for prostate cancer.         

In 2006 the UKNSC ruled against a general screening programme, but a recent European study on 162,000 men from eight countries has suggested positive benefits from screening.  The UKNSC will now review this new evidence and make recommendations.  The news comes as a welcome boost to prostate cancer awareness month which The Prostate Cancer Charity has been running during March to raise awareness of the condition.

A diet rich in fat, dairy products and red meat, this may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.  Over 85% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 60.  Signs of prostate cancer include a weak urine flow or needing to urinate more often, especially at night.  Other symptoms of prostate cancer may include new pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis.

Commenting, James Brokenshire said

“Screening is a vital component of cancer treatment based on clinical evidence and effectiveness.  That’s why I welcome this new review into prostate cancer screening.  Prostate Cancer claims too many lives each year yet too few of us know enough about it.  There are ways in which men can reduce their chances of getting the disease, such as changing diet or checking for symptoms.  That’s why it’s important to raise the profile and prostate cancer awareness month is a good way of doing this."

You can find out more about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month at the website www.prostatecancermatters.org.uk

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