Prostate Cancer

Lord Kamall Excerpts

Wednesday 3rd September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Kamall (Con)]

I thank my noble friend Lord Mott for securing this important debate and for sharing some of those startling statistics. I also thank other noble Lords who contributed today and shared their personal experience. Time constraints and a Paddington Bear stare from the noble Baroness, Lady Anderson, prevent me naming them all.

I hope noble Lords will forgive me if they have heard this before but, when I worked in Belgium, a urologist advised me that men over 45 should seek an annual prostate cancer test. So, when I came back to the UK, I asked my GP about this and he was dismissive, suggesting that I ask for a PSA test at my next blood test. When I did so, the nurse asked me if I was sure that I wanted one and said, “They’re not very reliable”. Given that attitude from some medical staff—not all, it has to be said—it is not surprising that the data I looked up today shows prostate cancer incidence in Belgium to be below the UK’s.

I understand concerns about overdiagnosis of what is termed slow-growing, localised, or benign prostate cancer, which, when unnecessarily treated, may lead to incontinence, erectile dysfunction or bowel issues. I also understand concerns about misinterpreting data from enlarged prostates. These are important points to bear in mind, but surely this should not be an excuse for reluctance or inaction by some clinicians, especially given the alarming racial disparities mentioned by a number of noble Lords.

I welcome the Minister back to her place after her recent absence. In doing so, I will ask her some questions. Given the emphasis on “from sickness to prevention”, how do the Government intend to raise awareness of checking for prostate cancer, particularly in those disproportionately affected communities?

Some noble Lords mentioned trials—some introduced under the last Government. There are also reports of tests. I know we have to be very careful about what we read in the media and some of the claims, but some suggest that these tests are up to 96% accurate in detecting prostate cancer. Can the Minister say any more at this stage about these trials, the ongoing evaluation, and whether there is a rough timescale for a definitive test we can all have confidence in?

Given the concerns that have been raised, what guidance is available now for medical practitioners on prostate cancer tests such as the PSA, then later the PCA and others? How do we ensure that patients can be encouraged to come forward? How can we be assured that prostate cancer is given the attention it deserves?