The Minister advised me that the National Screening Committee does not currently recommend prostrate cancer screening based on the prostrate specific antigen test, although it is being kept under review. The Department of Health in London is developing a Prostrate Cancer Risk Management Programme, which will enable those anxious about the disease to make an informed choice about whether to take the PSA test. The Minister has stated that she will consider whether this should be developed in Northern Ireland. I would appeal to the Minister to do all in her power to make prostrate testing available and to provide information for all those undergoing the test and treatment.
Prostrate cancer is a killer but when diagnosed early it is treatable.