Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 12 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 December 2001. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 December 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to introduce a prostate cancer screening programme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a prostate cancer screening programme; and if he will make a statement. [23381] Yvette Cooper: We are committed to introducing a screening programme for prostate cancer if and when screening and treatment techniques are sufficiently well developed. Trials for prostate cancer screening have shown that there are a number of complex issues involved. There is no conclusive evidence from any country that screening for prostate cancer would reduce the death rate from prostate cancer. The national health Service prostate cancer programme was launched on 6 September 2000, covering research, treatment and a risk management programme specifically around improving early detection and diagnosis.

Secondary information