This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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UK’s first male cancer centre
02/10/2003
The UK's first male cancer centre was officially opened by the First Minsiter Jack McConnell at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital today.
The clinic brings together healthcare specialists, support and information into a single dedicated facility for men suffering from testicular, prostrate and penile cancer. The aim is to create a patient-centred approach to the treatment.
Mr McConnell said that Scotland can be proud that the cancer centre is based here, but this should also be a strong reminder to Scottish men to take much better care of their health. Mr McConnell continued:
"Cancer is an horrific disease that can strike even the fittest of people at any time.
"The tragedy is that far too many Scottish men increase their chances of becoming ill by eating and drinking the wrong things, and not keeping fit. Then they compound the mistake by failing to get regular check-ups.
"There is clearly a need to invest in and reform the health service to improve treatment and put the interests of patients first, and I am proud that the UK's first male cancer clinic is in Scotland. But it should also serve as a strong reminder to every Scottish man of our awful record on men's health and that prevention is better than cure.
"The survival rates from cancer for Scottish men lag 20 years behind Scottish women. Huge strides have been made in raising the profile of women's health issues and it is now time for men to catch up. We need to end the taboo that prevents men discussing their health and make it far easier for them to get a health check in the locations where they feel most comfortable.
"Women are now perfectly comfortable talking about breast cancer and self-examination. We need men to be just as relaxed talking about testicular cancer and their personal health."
The First Minister unveiled plans in August for a national network of health MOTs for men by 2005, as part of the Scottish government's drive to reduce the number of Scots who die prematurely from diseases such as stroke, cancer and heart disease. These could take place, for example, in a local golf club or at a football match or the supermarket.
The First Minister added:
"If Scotland is truly to thrive and prosper in the 21st century, then we need Scottish men to take more responsibility for their improving their own health. This will improve their lives, but also help us promote Scotland abroad as an attractive and vibrant place to live and work."
The male cancer centre is supported by a £500,000 donation from the HEBA Foundation and will have strong links with the regional Prostrate Cancer Support Group and Testicular Cancer Awareness (Scotland).
Grahame Howard, Clinical Director in oncology at the centre said:
"We are very grateful to the Trustees who have funded this state-of-the-art centre, which brings together all the different aspects of the care of urological malignancies in men, particularly testicular and prostate cancers. It will be the administrative centre for the South East Scotland Cancer Network Urology Group and will be a focus for future research."
The male cancer centre at the Western General Hospital has been operational since January.
The five-year survival rates from cancer for Scottish men have increased from 25 per cent in the early 1980s to 38 per cent in the late 1990s. However, over the same period, for Scottish women they have increased from 37 per cent to 48 per cent.