Backlog of treating prostate cancer has cast nationwide concerns

Commonly known as the ‘no symptoms’ disease, a leading UK charity has revealed that prostate cancer diagnosis’ have fallen behind since the pandemic.

If caught early enough prostate cancer can be treated, however a registered charity in England and Wales – Prostate Cancer UK – has claimed patients are facing a ‘postcode lottery’ for care following the pandemic.

The latest figures released by the charity show Wales is significantly behind when dealing with the backlog of the diagnosis. Almost a fifth of men are diagnosed with metastatic disease – meaning it has it spread, and more than 500 men in the country have been told they are terminal.

Men aged 45 and over are urged to attend their local GPs for prostate checks as when they hit 50 their chances of developing the disease become more likely. Although, prostate cancer does not come with any symptoms meaning many men do not follow through with this procedure.

In addition to Wales, figures in Scotland are also alarming. Laura Kerby, Chief Executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: ‘The postcode lottery for cancer diagnosis simply isn’t fair, and the picture in Scotland is particularly shocking. Every man should get an equal chance of a cure, which is only possible if his cancer is caught early.

‘Unfortunately, early prostate cancer usually doesn’t have any symptoms, which is why men need to be aware of their risk and should take our online risk checker to find out more.

‘If you’re at higher risk – which includes all men over 50 – you’re entitled to a free PSA blood test from your GP. Because of their higher risk, we strongly recommend that black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should speak to their GP from the age of 45.’

In Scotland, 35% of men are only diagnosed when the disease has hit stage four, compared to 12.5% of men in London. Nationally, an estimated 10,000 men are diagnosed once it is too late.

As well as looking at countries, the data obtained by the charity implies men that come from more deprived areas of the UK are at higher risk of being diagnosed at a later stage.

After Scotland, the next highest proportion of men diagnosed only at stage four is located in the North-East of England and Yorkshire, with 20% of men being told when it’s too late.

While figures are largely taken from information gathered before the pandemic – results were studied between 2014-2020 – Prostate Cancer UK have said the outcomes are less likely to have improved given the current state of health services in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.    

Photo by National Cancer Institute