Prostate cancer stats show big differences

8:24am Friday 21st March 2008

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NEW figures have revealed major differences in prostate cancer death rates in neighbouring boroughs.

Men in Lewisham are more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer than in Southwark and Bermondsey.

The figures from the Government's Office for National Statistics show the number of deaths per year from prostate cancer in the constituency of Lewisham West are 38 per 100,000 people.

This is 43 per cent above the England average of 26.6 per 100,000 people.

The figures are based on the yearly average number of deaths between 2001 and 2005.

And the figure for Lewisham is more than double of neighbouring constituency North Southwark and Bermondsey, which has 15 deaths per 100,000 people.

Pressure group Prostate Cancer Charter for Action is urging the Government and the NHS to improve healthcare for all men with prostate cancer, regardless of where they live.

A group spokesman says nationally there is a poor awareness about the prostate and what it does.

He said: "There's a poor level of embarrassment and we have to break those taboos."

The group also says one possible explanation for Lewisham's high death rate is the borough's large African-Caribbean population.

Its spokesman added: "Men from African descent are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer but are less likely to go to the doctor to talk about it because of cultural taboos."

A spokesman for Lewisham Primary Care Trust said: "Our evidence in Lewisham shows many men do not go and see their GP until symptoms are severe."

He added: "This delay in seeking help means poorer outcomes."

The trust is working with GPs and pharmacists to provide more information and raise awareness on prostate cancer and how to seek medical advice.

Information packs on how to counsel men who ask about testing for prostate cancer have been sent to GPs.

To find out more information on men's health in Lewisham, visit the website lewishammalehealth.org.uk