Men urged to check risk online as 14,000 thought to need treatment for prostate cancer

It is believed that more than 14,000 men in the UK need treatment for prostate cancer, but have not come forward because of the pandemic.  The NHS is urging men to check their risk online as a first step to identifying the cancer, which is very treatable if caught early enough.

 

Since April 2020, over 58,000 men have begun treatment for prostate cancer, but that is 14,000 fewer than would have been expected when compared with pre-pandemic numbers.

 

Prostate Cancer UK’s chief executive Nicola Tallett, says the pandemic has had a significant impact on the numbers seeking help.

 

She said “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but the pandemic has meant thousands of men have not come forward for diagnosis and could be missing out on life-saving treatment.

 

“Although thousands of men are still being treated each month, if things don’t change soon, the number of men missing out will continue to grow.

 

“Men have been telling us they haven’t wanted to ‘bother’ their GP during the pandemic – particularly if they don’t have any symptoms, which is the case for most men with early prostate cancer.

 

“This means men at higher risk of the disease are not having those vital conversations about their risk that can lead to a diagnosis.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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