A JERSEY doctor with first-hand experience of prostate cancer is encouraging men to be aware of the symptoms and to speak to their GP about PSA testing.
Consultant gynaecologist Neil MacLachlan, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and is now in remission, also said that Jersey health officials could look into the possibility of a screening programme.
The subject is currently a major discussion in the UK, where one in eight men will get the disease in their lifetime.
Prostate Cancer UK’s £42m TRANSFORM (Trial of Randomised Approaches for National Screening For Men) research is currently examining a range of available screening methods to identify the most effective approach for earlier and more accurate detection.
According to the most recently-released Channel Islands Cancer Report, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Jersey.
It causes around 13 deaths in the Island each year.
Dr MacLachlan, who recently spoke at a Prostate Cancer UK think-tank event in London, explained that he would like to see GPs given information “on why it is important to have the discussion around PSA screening” with their patients.
PSA testing involves a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a protein that can be elevated in men with prostate cancer.
Dr MacLachlan noted that a screening programme was “something Jersey could look to”, but also stressed that the absence of one “does not mean that you cannot go along to your GP and say you want an appointment to discuss having a PSA test”.
He said: “I think the evidence at the moment is such that, get your PSA done, report any symptoms, know what the symptoms are [for example] if you are getting problems peeing, go along to your doctor and have that discussion.
“We just need more awareness about this, because one in eight men – it is a lot.”
Dr MacLachlan highlighted the importance of early detection, comparing it to discovering a fire before it has time to spread.
“I am an example of someone who, if I had not had a PSA test, I do not even know if I would be around.”
Professor Chris Booth – founder of UK men’s health charity CHAPS – also said Jersey would be capable of introducing a screening programme for prostate cancer.
He noted that the Island had “a relatively small population” and “quite a good health service”.
“You could offer what is needed quite easily to your population without really much risk of running into major problems with capacity.”
