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Prostate screening off the agenda for now

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Thu, 13 Oct 2011 2:18p.m.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says a national screening programme for prostate cancer is off the government's agenda "at this stage".

It had been under consideration but earlier this year Parliament's health select committee recommended against it, saying more data was needed about how effective it would be.

Mr Ryall today said he accepted that finding and would support the committee's call for men to be given more information about diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

The committee said men should be encouraged to talk to their doctors about the advantages and disadvantages of screening so they could make informed decisions.

"I have asked the Ministry of Health to ensure all men with prostate cancer have fair access to good quality information and care," says Mr Ryall.

"Local research is also under way into the care men receive following an abnormal test for prostate cancer."

NZN

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Comments

14 Oct 2011 09:30a.m.

Ricardo wrote:

Probably more important to fund the RWC?

13 Oct 2011 04:45p.m.

GK wrote:

Maybe Ryall has no need of this service being berift of any balls, but what about the rest of us? What was the number one cancer killer of men in New Zealand last year again?

13 Oct 2011 03:57p.m.

LB wrote:

Totally agree with you steve

13 Oct 2011 03:45p.m.

steve wrote:

Does this also mean cervical and breast screening will be cut back too? No? I thought not. Too many votes there. Men have always been second class citizens in this country when it comes to health, and latterly education too. (thanks Helen). Now the Nats run out of cash and its tough luck guys....

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