By Democrat reporter
Movember, the campaign during which men wear moustaches to attract support for more prostate cancer screening, is gathering significant support again this year.
Health Minister Neil Gray was asked by Tory Douglas Ross this week how the government has responsed is to the calls from Sir Chris Hoy to change the advice on testing for prostate cancer, to encourage more younger men to be checked.
He replied: “I thank Douglas Ross for raising what is an incredibly important issue, and I pay tribute to Sir Chris Hoy for his courage and leadership in sharing his journey with prostate cancer. My thoughts are with him, Sarra and the rest of his family.
“All men over 50 can ask their general practitioner for a prostate-specific antigen test, once the benefits and risks have been explained.
Tory MSP Douglas Ros and Health Minister Neil Gray.
“I welcome the review of the Scottish cancer referral guidelines, which include PSA testing. That will be published in spring 2025.
“I have also written to the United Kingdom National Screening Committee in support of its review of the case for a prostate cancer screening programme.”
“In that spirit, I will speak for the first time about how prostate cancer has affected my family. A year ago, my dad was diagnosed. He had a PSA level of 168—for context, PSA levels of around four and below are considered normal. We therefore knew that we were dealing with something very serious.
“Last Christmas was one of great anxiety and worry for our family. However, a year on, thanks to the great support from Forres health centre, Mr Lam at the urology department of Aberdeen royal infirmary and the rest of the teams at the hospital, as well as outstanding support from everyone at Clan house in Aberdeen, where Dad recently had his radiotherapy, his PSA is now 0.12.
“More men will, I hope, be diagnosed earlier because of Chris Hoy’s efforts. Does the cabinet secretary agree that they can be assured of excellent care in our national health service and from the amazing charities that support people with cancer and their families, as my family can testify?
Health Minister Neil Gray, himself wearing an unfamiliar moustache in support of the cause, told MSPs: “This morning, I heard Nick Jones, a trustee of Prostate Cancer Research, speak to Emma Barnett on the “Today” programme about his personal journey.
“Campaigns such as Movember, in which I and Douglas Ross’s colleague Miles Briggs are participating, are critically important in helping to remove stigma and encouraging people to come forward and talk about personal and uncomfortable areas of health.
“My thoughts are with Sir Chris Hoy and his family as he shows his leadership so that more men come forward for tests.”