Theresa May unveils war on prostate cancer

The Prime Minister said too many people were enduring the loss of a loved one because they were diagnosed too late - AFP
The Prime Minister said too many people were enduring the loss of a loved one because they were diagnosed too late - AFP

More than 40,000 men will be recruited into prostate cancer research, in a Government bid to turn the major killer into “a disease which no longer brings fear.”

The £75m plans announced by Theresa May will see thousands of men offered the chance to try new treatments far earlier, while testing new ways to diagnose the disease.

The Prime Minister said too many people were enduring the loss of a loved one because they were diagnosed too late, with prostate cancer now causing more deaths than breast cancer.

She also confirmed plans to set announce a fully funded long-term plan for the NHS later this year, saying the strategy would be developed with health sevice leaders.

Ahead of a visit to NHS staff in Cambridgeshire, Mrs May said: “Too many people endure the loss of a loved one because cancer diagnosis comes too late in the day.

The facts | Prostate cancer

“Our cancer treatments are world class and survival rates are at a record high, but prostate cancer still claims thousands of lives every year.

“I know we can do more. That’s why I am setting out new plans to help thousands of men get treated earlier and faster.”

Under the plans, more than 40,000 patients will be recruited for more than 60 studies in prostate cancer, to test treatments including more precise radiotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound and cryotherapy, alongside supportive interventions including exercise and dietary advice.

The plans announced today will refocus our efforts to develop new treatments and will give men with prostate cancer, and their families, hope of survival

Jeremy Hunt, health and social care secretary

Early diagnosis is key to improving survival in prostate cancer: 98 per cent of those who are diagnosed early survive for more than five years. This figure drops to 36 per cent for those who are diagnosed late.

However, research has found almost half of men with the disease had to see their GP at least twice before being referred for tests which led to their diagnosis.  And current tests for the disease - which use a blood test to check levels of prostate specific antigens - are unreliable.

One pilot scheme is attempting to reduce diagnosis time from around six weeks to just days, by offering patients all their tests in one day, and using new scanning techniques.

The meeting with NHS staff in Cambridgeshire will be the first in a series of discussions as the Government works with the health service to develop a long-term plan for the NHS.

Mrs May said: “Now in its 70th year, our NHS has a bright future – since last November, we have already committed £10 billion in new funding, including a new pay deal for one million NHS workers.

Prostate and Breast cancer deaths in UK

“In fact, as part of our balanced approach to managing the economy we have increased spending on the health service every year since 2010.

“But I’m clear the way to secure the NHS’s future is having a long-term plan, with sustainable multi-year funding.

“To inform this, I’ll be meeting doctors, nurses and other NHS staff today to understand the challenges they face and discuss how we can effectively meet the demands of the future.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Prostate cancer claims too many lives every year and our ability to detect and treat it in the very early stages is crucial in fighting this disease.

“The plans announced today will refocus our efforts to develop new treatments and will give men with prostate cancer, and their families, hope of survival.”

Everything you need to know about prostate cancer but were too afraid to Google

The new studies will particularly target men aged 50 or over, those with a family history of prostate cancer and higher risk groups including black men – one in four of whom will develop the disease.

Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Prostate Cancer UK said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and it is now the third most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK.

“However, with increased research investment used wisely, over the next few years we can turn this around and make prostate cancer a disease men no longer need to fear.”

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security