With prostate cancer killing 12,000 men every year, the news brand is calling for a targeted national screening programme focussed on those at greatest risk
Amid a prevailing male culture of “toughing it out”, The Telegraph calls for a proactive campaign targeting those who are unlikely to arrange appointments with their GP by themselves.
Those most at risk include men over 50, black men (whose risk is twice that of white men) and those with a family history of the disease.
As part of the campaign, The Telegraph spoke to some who were turned away by their GPs before later being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
In a piece for the news brand, John Taylor said: “I don’t blame my GP for turning me away at first. They aren’t currently directed to refer middle-aged men who have urinary symptoms for PSA testing. But the system needs to change.
“Some of the celebrities now speaking out about prostate cancer, if screened earlier, might not be facing life-threatening situations.”
Earlier this year, men’s health writer Phil Hilton wrote in The Telegraph: “A body of evidence is mounting and those in charge of policy are being asked to make prostate cancer screening as much a part of life for men as breast cancer screening is for women.
“The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer published earlier this year predicted rising case numbers around the world. The clock is ticking on this crucial area of health policy.”
Read more on the ‘Testing Saves Lives’ campaign on The Telegraph’s website.
