Chamber
Plenary, 14 Sep 2000
14 Sep 2000 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Prostate Cancer
The issue of PSA is important and I shall go on to say more about that in a moment. However, while Mrs Ewing was speaking, some of her colleagues were shaking their heads. Although it is important that members of Parliament raise issues that are important to the people we represent, we must look to the best possible medical and scientific advice that is available before making policy and investment decisions about how to progress.
Men with prostate cancer tend to have higher levels of PSA in their blood than is normal. However, some men who have prostate cancer do not have raised levels of PSA, and two thirds of men who have raised levels of PSA do not have prostate cancer. Raised levels of PSA can be caused by other conditions affecting the prostate gland, such as infections. It is important to understand that a great many men who develop prostate cancer and have an elevated PSA level do not, in fact, go on to develop clinical signs of symptoms of the disease. The tumour remains within the prostate and does not grow or spread. The current PSA test cannot distinguish between those cancers, and a large number of men might be treated inappropriately if we were to rely more heavily on PSA testing.
It is important, however, to emphasise that men who have symptoms indicative of prostate cancer or a family history of the disease can be offered the PSA test, along with full counselling and information about the risks of the test. We will continue to investigate and to assess the situation based on the best research available.
Men with prostate cancer tend to have higher levels of PSA in their blood than is normal. However, some men who have prostate cancer do not have raised levels of PSA, and two thirds of men who have raised levels of PSA do not have prostate cancer. Raised levels of PSA can be caused by other conditions affecting the prostate gland, such as infections. It is important to understand that a great many men who develop prostate cancer and have an elevated PSA level do not, in fact, go on to develop clinical signs of symptoms of the disease. The tumour remains within the prostate and does not grow or spread. The current PSA test cannot distinguish between those cancers, and a large number of men might be treated inappropriately if we were to rely more heavily on PSA testing.
It is important, however, to emphasise that men who have symptoms indicative of prostate cancer or a family history of the disease can be offered the PSA test, along with full counselling and information about the risks of the test. We will continue to investigate and to assess the situation based on the best research available.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Mr George Reid):
SNP
I wish members an early good afternoon. The first item of business is a members' business debate on motion S1M-1122, in the name of Maureen Macmillan, on scr...
Motion debated,
That the Parliament supports the routine screening of middle aged men for early indications of prostate cancer, a disease which causes the second highest num...
Maureen Macmillan (Highlands and Islands) (Lab):
Lab
One of our most important jobs as elected representatives is to highlight important issues that struggle to get attention. I am therefore very pleased to hav...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
Four members have asked to speak from the floor. That will be possible if they keep their remarks to three and a half minutes.
Brian Adam (North-East Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
In a previous existence, I worked as a clinical biochemist in the national health service so I am aware of the difficulties that are associated with some of ...
Nick Johnston (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con):
Con
I thank Maureen Macmillan for raising this subject, and congratulate her on securing the debate, especially during this special week.Like many cancers, prost...
Nora Radcliffe (Gordon) (LD):
LD
I, too, commend Maureen Macmillan on securing this members' business debate. We have won the battle to raise awareness of breast cancer; we have the same bat...
Colin Campbell (West of Scotland) (SNP):
SNP
I thank Maureen Macmillan for lodging the motion.We recognise that people sometimes fall through the social work and community care nets. In my experience, t...
Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray) (SNP):
SNP
I add my congratulations to Maureen Macmillan on securing the debate. She is an assiduous pursuer of members' business and has touched on many issues that im...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
I call Susan Deacon to respond to the debate on behalf of the Executive. Minister, you have quite a lot of time—about 14 minutes. You may speak until the Fir...
The Minister for Health and Community Care (Susan Deacon):
Lab
I am grateful to Maureen Macmillan for raising prostate cancer as a matter for members' business. I am also grateful for the speeches of other members in the...
Mrs Margaret Ewing:
SNP
I do not claim to be a technical expert on the subject, but the information that I have received states that, although a PSA screening result of level 4 is a...
Susan Deacon:
Lab
The issue of PSA is important and I shall go on to say more about that in a moment. However, while Mrs Ewing was speaking, some of her colleagues were shakin...
Brian Adam:
SNP
Will the minister take an intervention?
Dr Richard Simpson (Ochil) (Lab):
Lab
Will the minister take an intervention?
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
We will take Brian Adam first.
Brian Adam:
SNP
I appreciate the difficulties that are associated with the PSA test. Will the minister indicate how the Executive hopes to improve diagnostic capability for ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
Dr Simpson, did you want to intervene on the same point?
Dr Simpson:
Lab
Yes.
The Deputy Presiding Officer:
SNP
We will take both points in that case.
Dr Simpson:
Lab
I apologise to members for arriving late. I had another meeting. I congratulate the minister on her exposition of a very difficult subject.Will the minister ...
Susan Deacon:
Lab
I am grateful to both members for their comments. I fear, however, that we have been lulled into a false sense of security about the time. Having been given ...