Prostate Cancer: National Screening Programme

Lord Sentamu Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for sharing his personal experience. I am not suggesting that the PSA test should not be used, but we are talking about extending it and using it in a screening program. I thank him for giving me the opportunity to reassure your Lordships’ House that that is why we have the trial, which will report later this year, to find a better answer; the answer we have currently is not where we need it to be. Yes, there is a role for it, but we must strive for better than we have got currently.

[Lord Sentamu (CB)]

My Lords, 13 years ago, a PSA test saved my life. I had an operation in Leeds hospital and I now have no sign of that, and every year they test me by the same method. I encourage the Minister not to give mixed messages. We need a very clear message that, at the moment, the PSA test saves a lot of lives.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I agree about the need for clear messages, and I hope the noble and right reverend Lord will agree on the need for striving to do rather better.