Chamber
Plenary, 14 Sep 2000
14 Sep 2000 · S1 · Plenary
Item of business
Prostate Cancer
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 extra time, I am concerned that we may now run out. I will attempt to address the comments raised by Brian Adam and Richard Simpson by considering some of the wider work that is under way.
We are all agreed that there is a need for us to learn more about the disease, to improve testing techniques and to achieve greater clarity about treatment. That can only be a good thing. There has been a drive within the NHS in Scotland and in England for some time to take action in all those areas. Much of that work was encapsulated in the recent prostate cancer action plan, published by the Department of Health last week. The Department of Health expert group that drew up that plan included one of our expert advisers, who also works closely with the Scottish cancer group. The actions that are outlined in the plan and the additional research that is proposed will be of benefit to men throughout the UK, not just in England. That is only one example of our involvement in, and commitment to, the fight against cancer in general, and prostate cancer in particular.
In the few minutes that remain, I will give members a few examples of other work that is under way. An expert advisory group has been set up by the Scottish cancer group to examine the recognised and difficult challenges in treating prostate cancer. The group is expected to report early in 2001 and is likely to make recommendations on further research requirements, treatment and the education and training of specialists.
In addition, the Executive remains committed to improving services with faster, better diagnosis and treatment for everyone with cancer, more one-stop clinics, shorter waiting times and up-to-date equipment. As evidence of that commitment, eight one-stop prostate assessment clinics have been established. There have been investments in diagnostic and treatment planning equipment for cancer and there is a modernisation programme for radiotherapy equipment, all aimed at shortening waiting times and improving patients' experience.
For prostate cancer, as well as other urological cancers, we have invested in a nationwide programme of clinical audit, which will, for the first time, provide a comprehensive picture of patient pathways, treatment and outcomes. More widely, the preliminary results from the European randomised study of screening for prostate cancer, although not expected until 2009, will give an indication of whether population screening for prostate cancer is effective in reducing mortality rates.
A proposal for a UK prostate cancer screening trial is currently being considered by the Medical Research Council. Scottish research experts are actively involved in that.
I hope that those examples serve to indicate the Executive's commitment to taking work forward in this important area. We must acknowledge that improvements to the current testing techniques and treatments are required before further consideration can be given to a routine screening programme. Such improvements will not happen overnight, but we are seeking them actively. I acknowledge the desire, expressed in today's debate, that we should do so with determination and urgency. I am pleased to give the commitment that the Executive will do just that.
We are all agreed that there is a need for us to learn more about the disease, to improve testing techniques and to achieve greater clarity about treatment. That can only be a good thing. There has been a drive within the NHS in Scotland and in England for some time to take action in all those areas. Much of that work was encapsulated in the recent prostate cancer action plan, published by the Department of Health last week. The Department of Health expert group that drew up that plan included one of our expert advisers, who also works closely with the Scottish cancer group. The actions that are outlined in the plan and the additional research that is proposed will be of benefit to men throughout the UK, not just in England. That is only one example of our involvement in, and commitment to, the fight against cancer in general, and prostate cancer in particular.
In the few minutes that remain, I will give members a few examples of other work that is under way. An expert advisory group has been set up by the Scottish cancer group to examine the recognised and difficult challenges in treating prostate cancer. The group is expected to report early in 2001 and is likely to make recommendations on further research requirements, treatment and the education and training of specialists.
In addition, the Executive remains committed to improving services with faster, better diagnosis and treatment for everyone with cancer, more one-stop clinics, shorter waiting times and up-to-date equipment. As evidence of that commitment, eight one-stop prostate assessment clinics have been established. There have been investments in diagnostic and treatment planning equipment for cancer and there is a modernisation programme for radiotherapy equipment, all aimed at shortening waiting times and improving patients' experience.
For prostate cancer, as well as other urological cancers, we have invested in a nationwide programme of clinical audit, which will, for the first time, provide a comprehensive picture of patient pathways, treatment and outcomes. More widely, the preliminary results from the European randomised study of screening for prostate cancer, although not expected until 2009, will give an indication of whether population screening for prostate cancer is effective in reducing mortality rates.
A proposal for a UK prostate cancer screening trial is currently being considered by the Medical Research Council. Scottish research experts are actively involved in that.
I hope that those examples serve to indicate the Executive's commitment to taking work forward in this important area. We must acknowledge that improvements to the current testing techniques and treatments are required before further consideration can be given to a routine screening programme. Such improvements will not happen overnight, but we are seeking them actively. I acknowledge the desire, expressed in today's debate, that we should do so with determination and urgency. I am pleased to give the commitment that the Executive will do just that.
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 ...