MP champions pledge for prostate cancer
Local MP Tim Farron has given his full support to The Prostate Cancer Charity's campaign to improve prostate cancer services in Cumbria.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 36,000 men in the UK diagnosed every year and at least 9,062 men living with and beyond prostate cancer in the North West alone. According to NHS reports, Cumbria has a significantly increased level of prostate cancer.
The mortality rate in Cumbria is currently 8% above the national average and it is this inequality that The Prostate Cancer Charity hopes to address with its Pledge for Prostate Cancer. The Pledge consists of 5 key promises, one of which is that all men with prostate cancer in Westmorland and Lonsdale will have access to a full range of 'Gold Standard' treatment options and support services.
The 5 pledges are:
PLEDGE 1: Every eligible man in Westmorland and Lonsdale will have the opportunity to make an informed choice about having a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test
PLEDGE 2: All men with prostate cancer in Westmorland and Lonsdale will have access to a full range of 'Gold Standard' treatment options and support services
PLEDGE 3: Every man with prostate cancer in Westmorland and Lonsdale will have a named specialist nurse and access to high quality, tailored information
PLEDGE 4: There will be more research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer
PLEDGE 5: Robust data will be collected and published on the use of treatments in prostate cancer and the outcomes achieved
Commenting, Tim said "So many families are affected by some form of Cancer and at such difficult times being able to remain close to home is often a great comfort. It is vital, therefore, that they have access locally to the very best health care and support. It is my hope that Cancer services in Cumbria will continue to improve, and why our campaign to bring a cancer unit to Westmorland General Hospital has been so important. I'm delighted that we are moving forward with plans for the unit including chemotherapy services being available by the end of this year and radiotherapy treatment in Kendal by the end of 2012."