16 June 2024 , 15:20
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"Outdated" guidelines on prostate cancer could be endangering men's lives, according to a charity.
Prostate Cancer UK has stated that high-risk men can receive a test, but only if they ask for one. The charity revealed that GPs are advised not to discuss the issue with men unless they exhibit symptoms. However, most men with early-stage prostate cancer when it is most treatable do not show any signs or symptoms.
Prostate Cancer UK has urged the next government to revise health guidelines to enable healthcare professionals to proactively approach men at the highest risk including Black men and those with a family history of the disease. Chiara De Biase, director of health services, equity and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We simply can't continue with a system where men at high risk of prostate cancer can get a test but only if they know to request one.
"This outdated guidance is failing both men and their clinicians, making health inequalities worse and putting lives at risk. It's about time that changed. She added: " She added: "We know that a lot of men don't come forward because they think they'll be invited as part of routine tests when this simply isn't true.
"The long-term answer is a screening programme for all men, and the results of our TRANSFORM trial will tell us the most effective way to do that. Until then, we all need to work together to make sure men know their risk and what they can do about it."
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"We're doing all we can to raise awareness, and now we're asking for the next Government to do its part by giving doctors the power to proactively reach out to men at highest risk." The charity insisted that amending the guidelines would not only cut prostate cancer fatalities but also tackle health disparities and save NHS money, reports Bristol Live. For further details, visit the Prostate Cancer UK website.