Men with prostate cancer are being seen more quickly and receiving better care according to a britsih Government report

Men with prostate cancer are being seen more quickly and receiving better care according to a report launched today by Health Minister, Lord Warner at the National Prostate Cancer Conference.

The report sets out the huge progress that has been made following the publication of the NHS Prostate Cancer programme four years ago. The programme was the first of its kind and aimed to focus attention on the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in England and the second biggest cancer killer in men.

Health Minister, Lord Warner said:

"We take prostate cancer very seriously. That is why four years ago we published the NHS Prostate Cancer Programme to give prostate cancer the priority it deserves. As a result a lot of excellent progress has been made. Patients are being seen more quickly and are getting better care.

Making sure patients have access to the latest treatments is key to reducing the suffering caused by this condition - that is why prostate cancer is the only cancer to have a specific target for government spending on research. This will help to ensure that patients get the benefit of pioneering new techniques like high intensity focused ultrasound for which clinical trials are due to begin early next year.

There is, of course, more to do. But the advances made in the last few years show what can be achieved when the Government, voluntary sector and the NHS work in close partnership to tackle this problem."

Achievements so far include:

Prostate cancer is the only cancer with a government spending target for research - the target of £4.2 million was reached in 2003/04;

over 98% of patients with suspected prostate cancer are now seen by a consultant within two weeks of being urgently referred by their GP compared to 40% in 1997;

the number of consultant urologists has increased by 40% - there are now 503 consultants compared to 343 in 1997;

all GPs now have a resource pack to help them counsel men who are worried about prostate cancer as part of the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme;

next year surgeons will be offered masterclasses to teach them the latest specialist techniques for prostate cancer.

Speaking on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Charter for Action, Dr Chris Parker said:

"We welcome this report which shows what can be done if charities work together and with Government. It is proof that we get the best results when all those with an interest and expertise collaborate closely. The Prostate Cancer Charter for Action has campaigned for the publication of a progress report to ensure transparency in what has been achieved as well as setting out the challenges that need to be addressed.

Prostate cancer is a big killer and it is right we continue to make tackling prostate cancer our priority. Although there has been encouraging progress on tackling prostate cancer there is still a lot to do".