10 November 2009
The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on government announcement into cancer specialist waiting times
The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on the Government announcement that it is to bring in new legislation which will enshrine the right of all cancer patients to receive funding for private treatment if they have not been seen by an NHS specialist within two weeks of GP referral.
Clara McKay, Director of Operations and Marketing Communications said: “We welcome this new proposed legislation from the Government which will give any man with a suspected prostate cancer the right to see a specialist within two weeks of a referral from their GP. We know that the waiting time between referral and the first appointment with a specialist can be an anxious and worrying time for men and their families, with very little access to support and information available until a diagnosis is confirmed.
“Recent statistics show that the Government is already meeting their two week referral to diagnosis target for the majority of urological cancers, including prostate cancer, and by enshrining this right in law, we can ensure that all men with a suspected cancer continue to see a specialist within this time frame.
“Despite the fact that we need to be mindful that prostate cancer is a complex disease and may not need immediate treatment, unlike other common cancers, it is still important to ensure measures are in place to reduce anxiety for men and their partners facing a possible diagnosis of the disease.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For further information contact: Vivienne Francis, Nikki Nagler or Claire Blackburn on 0208 222 7136/7670/7687. Out of hours contact: 0798 432 5001. Email: Vivienne.Francis@prostate-cancer.org.uk or Nicola.Nagler@prostate-cancer.org.uk or Claire.Blackburn@prostate-cancer.org.uk
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Every year in the UK 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. One man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK.
African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.
The Prostate Cancer Charity is striving for a world where lives are no longer limited by prostate cancer. The Charity is fighting prostate cancer on every front - through research, support, information and campaigning.
If you have any queries about prostate cancer, call The Prostate Cancer Charity's confidential Helpline 0800 074 8383 which is staffed by specialist nurses and open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm or visit www.prostate-cancer.org.uk