Prostate Cancer Screening

First Minister’s Question Time – in the Scottish Parliament at on 7 November 2024.

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Photo of Douglas Lumsden Douglas Lumsden Conservative

I am sure that the First Minister will join me in commending Scotland’s greatest ever Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy, and the way in which he has faced devastating news with such courage and strength. [ Applause .]

This week, Sir Chris called for more and earlier screening of prostate cancer. The United Kingdom Government has said that it will review the screening programme in England. Will the Scottish Government also conduct a review of prostate-specific antigen testing to try to detect more prostate cancers earlier and improve the outcomes for many men?

Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

I am happy to associate myself with the remarks made by Douglas Lumsden. During his sporting career, Sir Chris Hoy demonstrated absolute and total courage and dedication to what he was doing. In facing up to what he is facing now, he is demonstrating courage and dedication to achieving all that he hopes to achieve. I commend him unreservedly for all that he has done. I wish him and his wife well with their diagnoses, and I send their family all good wishes at this challenging time.

The policy point that Sir Chris Hoy makes about prostate screening is very important. We need to do all that we can. We must constantly challenge whether the testing regime is adequate and appropriate, so the Government will take forward the priority that Mr Lumsden has put to me. I am grateful to Sir Chris Hoy for putting such impetus behind the requirement to do so.