3 November 2009

The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on the launch of a new guide to screening

The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on the launch of a new guide, Making Sense of Screening, by Sense About Science today (3 November), which aims to explain how the screening process works, and why it is not suitable for all diseases.

John Neate, Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the launch of this new report, which attempts to explain some of the limitations of screening for a number of diseases, including prostate cancer.

“Although recent research has found that screening for prostate cancer using the PSA test could reduce the number of deaths from the disease, there are still a number of questions regarding the reliability of the test, which means that this potential reduction in the mortality rate could be at the expense of the over diagnosis and treatment of non-aggressive forms of the disease. It is precisely because of this problem of over diagnosis of indolent prostate cancers that the test is not currently suitable to form the basis of a screening programme in the UK and we commend this guide for helping to explain some of the complex issues surrounding prostate cancer screening.

“The UK National Screening Committee is currently conducting a comprehensive review of whether the PSA test could usefully form the basis of a screening programme and we await the results eagerly.

“In the meantime, we need to accept that the PSA test is far from perfect, but it is the best tool currently available that can indicate a problem with the prostate It is vital that we move as rapidly as possible to a position of ‘universal informed choice’, where all men are aware of the issues surrounding the test, are fully advised on its pros and cons and are able to decide whether having it is right for them.”

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