Written questions by Western.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the informed choice framework for prostate cancer screening.

Screening for prostate cancer is currently not recommended by the UK National Screening Committees. This is because of the inaccuracy of the current best test called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).The Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme provides general practitioners with information and guidance to counsel men who have no symptoms about the potential benefits and harms of PSA testing so they can make an informed decision about whether to have the test.

What assessment he has made of potential disparities in access to prostate cancer screening among men of different (a) races and (b) socio-economic statuses.

Screening for prostate cancer is currently not recommended by the UK National Screening Committees (UK NSC). This is because of the inaccuracy of the current best test, called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).The UK NSC is carrying out an evidence review of prostate cancer screening which includes looking at the evidence for targeted screening of specific high-risk groups, such as Black Men and those with a family history. This will determine whether a PSA test-based screening programme for high-risk groups could provide more good than harm.