Men denied ‘groundbreaking’ prostate scan

MEN are being “let down” in some parts of Britain because their health region does not have the latest prostate cancer screening technology, a charity said yesterday.

Research reveals a new “mpMRI” scan – a “groundbreaking diagnostic tool” – could radically boost detection rates of prostate cancer and reduce unnecessary biopsies.

But the latest screening technology is not available in one in eight health regions.

Research by Prostate Cancer UK revealed a “widespread variation” in the quality and availability of screening. It said the best available evidence promotes the use of a dye during scans, with 57 per cent of regions offering this higher accuracy test. However, a further 30 per cent offered a less accurate version and 13 per cent did not offer it at all.

Heather Blake, from Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We have seen incredible progress in the adoption of pre-biopsy mpMRI over the last year where its rollout has been prioritised with our support. However, widespread variation in the level and quality of access continues to persist, with men in parts of Wales, Northern Ireland and north west England being let down with no access whatsoever.

“This groundbreaking diagnostic tool is the biggest leap forward in prostate cancer diagnosis for decades and it is therefore appalling that health officials in some areas are still not seeing this as a priority.

“We urge health departments and commissioners in the worst-offending areas to step up and focus their efforts on getting mpMRI before biopsy to men without delay.”