MP David Ward backs prostate cancer work (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

MP David Ward backs prostate cancer work

12:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

The issue of prostate cancer and how essential it is to get good treatment has received the backing of a senior Bradford politician.

Bradford East MP David Ward has pledged to back Prostate Cancer UK’s Quality Checklist.

He wants a Prostate Cancer UK initiative put in place in Bradford to help men with prostate cancer receive the best possible care and support, regardless of where they live.

This comes as new analysis uncovered vast variations in the care that men with prostate cancer receive across the whole of England. The evidence further highlights that, despite recent improvements, the disease lags behind the treatment of other common cancers in key areas such as availability of Specialist Nurses, provision of information and support.

In a bid to help stamp out these inequalities, Prostate Cancer UK has produced a Quality Checklist to be used as a best practice guide for men and clinicians. The checklist sets out 15 national standards for care and support that men with prostate cancer should expect and demand, from the point of their diagnosis through to the end of their life.

Mr Ward said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, yet the quality of care in Bradford in some areas is falling behind in key areas such as fully explained diagnosis and providing relevant financial and benefits advice to patients.

“It is incredibly important that we do all we can to ensure all men with prostate cancer get the care and support they need. I am therefore delighted to endorse Prostate Cancer UK’s Quality Checklist, and call on Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure it is adopted as soon as possible to help all men who are diagnosed with the disease.”

To view the Quality Checklist visit prostatecanceruk.org/qualitycare.