§ 11. Jane Griffiths (Reading, East)What measures he is taking to encourage men to examine themselves to assist early diagnosis of testicular cancer; and if he will make a statement. [88248]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. John Hutton)The Government are committed to improving cancer services and we fund a number of publications emphasising the importance of a healthy life style, and giving advice on recognition of symptoms of illness, including testicular cancer. The NHS home health care guide, published in 1998, encourages men to be aware of any unusual changes and to discuss them with their doctors at an early stage. From 2000, all those with suspected cancer will be able to see a specialist within two weeks of their GP requesting an urgent appointment. Referral guidelines to help GPs to identify early symptoms of cancer are being developed to assist in the early diagnosis of all cancers.
§ Jane GriffithsDoes my hon. Friend agree that the lives of many women have been saved by their having been encouraged over the years to do breast self-examination and that, because the lives of men with testicular cancer—the incidence of which is doubling every 20 years—can also be saved if the diagnosis is early, men should be encouraged to examine themselves without embarrassment?
§ Mr. HuttonI strongly agree. My hon. Friend will probably be aware that many of our leaflets have been 817 focused on younger men and that testicular cancer is the commonest cancer in men aged between 20 and 34, with about 1,000 new cases being registered each year. I am sure that she will agree that the consensus is that promoting testicular awareness is the most effective way of tackling the problem.