Hon Tony Ryall
National Party Health Spokesman

15 January 2007

Prostate Cancer Guidelines Taking Too Long

The Labour Government is taking too long to issue new guidelines on prostate cancer testing, when delays mean more men could be at risk from the disease, says National’s Health spokesman, Tony Ryall.

“In December 2005 the Ministry of Health said it would develop new guidelines for men and their doctors on PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing ‘early next year’. It’s over 12 months later, and still nothing.

“When National raised the lack of promised guidelines during ‘Movember’, the Health Ministry said they would be released by the end of 2006. But still no guidelines.

“Latest available annual data from the Ministry of Health shows 2,600 prostate cancer registrations and more than 550 deaths from prostate cancer a year.

“The Prostate Cancer Foundation has long said that current guidance and information dissuades doctors and patients from discussing this cancer until men show symptoms of the disease.

“This is a matter of informed consent and improving access to information. We should make sure men, as patients, are fully informed on the pros and cons of PSA testing. The NHS in Britain runs an Informed Choice Programme specifically on PSA testing.

“While there is debate about screening and the use of PSA testing, here is the Government saying this new guidance is needed and they would do it quickly, yet over a year later there are still no guidelines.

“The Government owes an explanation as to why it has been dragging the chain on this matter.”

ENDS

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