Most of you will be aware that there's a clear disparity in many aspects of our life depending on where you live, and the same goes for the speed of diagnosis of prostate cancer, which, like most cancers, has a much better chance of cure if found early.
Our Current Work
We've already introduced two measures to try to narrow this gap. Any man who has a PSA test via our system and who receives a “Red” result will be given information on how, with his GP's support, to access the NHS "Rapid" Protocol. As the title indicates, this aims to fast track diagnosis. He'll also be given the contact details of an experienced GP with a special interest in prostate cancer who may be able to provide additional support.
Discounted MRI Scans
A third weapon in this armoury will be launched shortly in that any man seeking an MRI scan, the NICE-approved next step following a raised PSA score, will be able to book a significantly discounted scan if he chooses.
National Screening Programme
In the meantime we're working hard on other initiatives. There's a growing political awareness of the urgent need for a national screening programme, particularly for men more at risk: those with a family history, Black men, and all men over 50. A new All Parliamentary Party Group (APPG) was set up earlier this year and our founder, Graham Fulford MBE, has attended all their meetings to date. The next meeting is scheduled for October and he's hopeful that this group is gaining momentum.
PSA Referral Levels
Meanwhile, we intend to focus on specific inequalities brought about by the wide differences in PSA "at risk" referral levels in the UK. The PCRMP issued by Public Health England recommends that PSA levels greater than 3.0 ng/ml for men in the 50-69 age group should be referred. This is the level recognised as the "safest" by many leading urologists and the one used in most of our reports. There's also an age-related range used by some NHS trusts, which are slightly higher e.g 4.5 ng/ml for 60 year olds.
We're aware, however, that some trusts and hospitals are working to much higher levels and are thereby instructing GPs to only refer at these levels. We know of at least one trust operating with a referral level of 10 ng/ml. This is more than 3 times the PCRMP level and more than double the age-related range level. We would, therefore, strongly advise any man discussing a raised PSA score with his GP to ask what referral range they are instructed to work to by the local hospital or trust.
Expanding Treatment Options
In terms of "equalising" treatment options following diagnosis, we're delighted to confirm the new HIFU treatment centre is now operational at Northampton General Hospital and we understand another may follow shortly in Birmingham. Read more about the new HIFU treatment centre here. We work closely with Paul Sayer, a prostate cancer survivor, and his team at Prost8 whose aim is to make as many men as possible aware of all the treatment options available to them, and not just the options at their local hospital. You can contact Prost8 by visiting prost8.org.uk.