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Covid-19: NHS Support for Prostate Cancer Patients — [Siobhain McDonagh in the Chair]
10 March 2022
Lead MP
Elliot Colburn
Responding Minister
Maria Caulfield
Tags
NHSEmployment
Word Count: 8460
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about covid-19: nhs support for prostate cancer patients — [siobhain mcdonagh in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Colburn urges the Government to destigmatise men coming forward for checks and address disparities in imaging capacity such as mpMRI provision. He also calls for more investment in clinical nurse specialists and non-medical practitioner-led clinics to support the prostate cancer workforce.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Elliot Colburn is concerned about the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on prostate cancer diagnosis rates. He cites over 47,000 new cases annually and a death every 45 minutes from prostate cancer. The 'stay at home' messaging has deterred men from getting tested, leading to fewer referrals and diagnoses, with 50,000 fewer referrals for suspected prostate cancer patients than usual trends predict. This could result in 3,500 late-stage diagnoses due to missed early detection opportunities.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in NHS cancer care, with performance against targets declining and a backlog of cases. Prostate cancer patients are facing unacceptably long waits for treatment due to the Government's mismanagement before the crisis. The speaker called on the Minister to provide concrete steps to address the situation rather than more consultations. She also highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns but stressed the need for accessible diagnosis pathways and a robust workforce strategy.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He highlighted the impact of prostate cancer, noting that one in six men will be diagnosed with it and over 47,000 new cases occur annually. He shared a personal story about a friend who received early diagnosis and treatment, stressing the importance of raising awareness and addressing workforce shortages and access to MRI scans.
Welwyn Hatfield
There is no men's health strategy in the UK, where one in five men dies before retirement. Prostate cancer claims 30 lives daily, and screening could save thousands of lives annually. A simple prostate-specific antigen blood test can identify high-risk individuals, leading to early diagnosis and treatment.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
Stressed the importance of early prostate cancer diagnosis due to lack of awareness and impact during the pandemic. Highlighted Scotland's higher GP provision compared to UK average. Emphasized that most cancer treatments continued in Scotland despite lockdowns.
Government Response
Maria Caulfield
Government Response
Acknowledged the importance of prostate cancer awareness and diagnosis, noting over 330,000 urgent referrals and more than 170,000 urological cancer treatments between March 2020 and December 2021. Highlighted NHS staff's efforts to maintain treatment levels at 94% despite workforce challenges. Emphasized the use of mpMRI technology for better diagnosis, with an increase from 335 people in 2016 to 11,000 by 2020. Discussed ongoing initiatives such as a cancer risk-awareness campaign and 'Help Us Help You' NHS campaign to raise awareness about prostate cancer symptoms and encourage early referrals. Mentioned the need for further research into more accurate screening tests and improvements in treatments with fewer side effects. Announced £5.9 billion of additional capital funding, including £2.3 billion for diagnostic activity in community diagnostic centres, aiming to deliver 4.5 million additional scans by 2024-25.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.