Scotland is worst in UK for late diagnosis of prostate cancer

MEN in Scotland are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer than those elsewhere in the UK, a study found.

A charity also warned of a ‘postcode lottery’, with the proportion of men diagnosed only after it has become incurable varying significantly depending on where they live.

In Scotland, 35 per cent discover they have the cancer when is classed as stage 4 – meaning it has spread to another part of the body.

This compares with 20 per cent in Northern Ireland and 19 per cent in Wales. In London the figure is 12.5 per cent.

Prostate cancer has no symptoms at an early stage, and experts say men need to be more aware of their risk.

All men over the age of 50 are entitled to a free NHS blood test to check for the cancer. Men who are at a higher risk, such as those with a family history, can come forward for testing from the age of 45.

Every year almost 10,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: ‘This 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.

‘We need a screening programme for prostate cancer, and we are committed to funding the research to make this a reality and save thousands of men’s lives.’

There is no single test for the disease but a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) blood test, may help detect it early.

Men are not currently offered PSA tests on a routine basis, as the results can be unreliable.

However, one trial in NHS Lothian is inviting men in the general population to take the tests, with early results suggesting it is finding cases at an early stage.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘While today’s data from across the UK nations shows variation, Scotland’s five-year survival rate is 84.3 per cent and similar to England.

‘We know that the earlier cancer is diagnosed the easier it is to treat and even cure, which is why we continue to invest in our Detect Cancer Earlier Programme.’