HC Deb 05 June 1996 vol 278 cc488-9W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to improve prostate cancer screening; and if he will make a statement. [30780]

Mr. Hague

I have no plans at present to introduce a NHS screening programme for prostate cancer in Wales. They key aim of any screening programme must be to secure a demonstratable improvement in health by increasing length of life and enhancing quality of life. There is, as yet, no evidence that this would be achieved in relation to prostate cancer. Although screening is not routinely available to NHS patients, individual patients can be tested on request. This may be of benefit where there is a family history of the disease.

The Government remain interested in assessing the value of prostate cancer screening programmes.