Hopes ‘outdated’ prostate cancer advice will be changed as Wes Streeting promises to consider reforms ‘very closely’
A CAMPAIGN demanding better prostate cancer advice for men could hit the bullseye after gaining huge traction during the World Darts Championship.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting last night opened the door to reforming “outdated” NHS guidance.
Currently doctors are advised against proactively recommending a blood test, even for those deemed higher risk such as black men or those with a family history of the disease.
Prostate Cancer UK is calling on the rules to be changed to let GPs initiate conversations with high-risk blokes from age 45 to catch possible signs earlier.
Mr Streeting last night vowed to look “very closely” at the National Screening Committee review later this year, which could pave the way for the changes.
He said last night: “Prostate cancer is a devastating killer, so I welcome efforts from Prostate Cancer UK and the Sun to raise awareness of this awful disease.
“The whole nation is in awe at the way Sir Chris Hoy has turned his diagnosis into a campaign to save the lives of others.
“I want to see every man feel comfortable and informed enough to speak with his doctor if he notices changes to his body or has concerns about prostate cancer.
“The UK National Screening Committee is reviewing the latest evidence for prostate screening and whether any changes could save more lives. I will be looking very closely at its conclusions later this year.”
During the darts tournament, Prostate Cancer UK and Paddy Power have been urging 180,000 men to check their risk level – with 122,000 taking the online survey as of last night.
Paddy Power are also donating for every 180 scored at the Ally Pally, and before tonight’s final were due to give £1,002,000 to the charity.
Chiara De Biase from Prostate Cancer UK said: “It’s all about knowing the numbers when playing darts, but sadly, not enough people are aware of the harsh statistics about prostate health.
“One in eight men will be affected by prostate cancer, so it’s essential that men know their risk.
“Prostate Cancer UK is calling on the UK government to urgently update the outdated NHS guidance so that GPs can have proactive conversations about prostate cancer and the PSA blood test with men at highest risk from the age of 45 years.
“If you’re a man like Sir Chris Hoy with have a family history of prostate cancer, or if you’re a black man, you’re at a higher risk from a younger age.”