Prostate news article, November 2004
| NHS REPORT - "MAKING
PROGRESS ON PROSTATE CANCER"
Reported by John Anderson, CEO, Prostate Research Campaign UK |
 |
The NHS Report, "Making Progress with Prostate Cancer" was launched by the Health Minister, Lord Warner, at the National Prostate Cancer Conference held on 9 November 2004. This report outlines the progress made since the NHS Prostate Cancer programme was published four years ago: it was the first of its kind and aimed to focus attention on prostate cancer.
Lord Warner said:
"We take prostate cancer very seriously. That is why four years ago we published the NHS Prostate Cancer Programme to give prostate cancer the priority it deserves. As a result, a lot of excellent progress has been made: patients are being seen more quickly and are getting better care.
Making sure patients have access to the latest treatments is key to reducing the suffering caused by this condition - that is why prostate cancer is the only cancer to have a specific target for Government spending on research. This will help to ensure that patients get the benefit of pioneering new techniques like high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for which clinical trials are due to begin early next year.
There is, of course, more to do but the advances made in the last few years show what can be achieved when the Government, voluntary sector and the NHS work in close partnership to tackle this problem."
According to this comprehensive report achievements so far include:
* Prostate cancer is the only cancer with a government spending target for research - the target of £4.2 million was reached in 2003/04.
* Over 98% of patients with suspected prostate cancer are now seen by a consultant within two weeks of being urgently referred by their GP.
* The number of consultant urologists has increased by 40% since 1997.
* All GPs now have a resource pack to help them counsel men worried about prostate cancer.
Speaking on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action (PCCA), Dr Chris Parker said:
"We welcome this report which shows what can be done if charities work together and with the Government. It is proof that we get the best results when all those with an interest and expertise collaborate closely. The Prostate Cancer Charter for Action has campaigned for the publication of a progress report to ensure transparency in what has been achieved as well as setting out the challenges that need to be addressed. Prostate cancer is a big killer and it is right we continue to make tackling prostate cancer our priority. Although there has been encouraging progress on tackling this there is still a lot to do".
If you would like to get a copy of the Report, contact the Department of Health publications orderline on
Telephone: 08701 555 455
Fax: 01623 724 524
Email: [email protected]
If you are interested in the work of the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action, visit http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/aboutUs/pcca/index.as