Cancer Data Base

Men enquiring about a blood test for prostate cancer detection are being turned away by their GPs, a new study has suggested.

The report, carried out by the Prostate Cancer Charity, found that a fifth of men asking for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test are being refused.

According to the organisation, more than two-thirds of men over the age of 50 years, who fall into the high-risk group of developing the cancer, are not even aware of the test.

In addition, the report claimed that men from lower-income backgrounds are three times less likely to request the test than those from economically stronger social groups.

Commenting, Dr Jodie Moffat, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said that the results of the study were "worrying".

"The PSA test can suggest if they have a problem with their prostate gland that needs further investigation," she added.

"It's important that men have access to high-quality information, based on the available evidence about risks and benefits, so that they can make up their own mind about what's best for them."

GPs have been issued with new advice to help tackle cervical cancer rates in the UK.

The guidance was given in order to speed up the diagnoses of the cancer and improve the management of treatment when dealing with young women with gynaecological symptoms.

While there are 55 new cases of cervical cancer every week in the UK, it is treatable and has fairly high rates of survival.

According to the Cancer Research charity, over 85 per cent of women under 40 beat the illness.

Health minister Ann Keen commented: "The independent (cap up?)Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening told us that screening women under the age of 25 did more harm than good but that more work needs to be done to ensure patients with symptoms are treated correctly."

She added: "That is why this new guidance will support GPs and practice nurses to identify symptoms and refer where necessary to specialist services."

There are nearly 3,000 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Britain each year.

Men who lose their hair at an early age may have a reduced risk of cancer, a survey has revealed.

Research from the University of Washington School of Medicine has found that men who begin to lose their hair at 30 are less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Dr Helen Rippon, head of research management at the Prostate Cancer Charity, told the BBC: "Clearly, the age at which a man begins to lose his hair is unfortunately not a risk factor for prostate cancer over which he has any control.

"However, if these results are correct, they could be useful in providing us with a greater understanding of how testosterone behaves in the body and how it can affect different tissues."

According to the study the men were up to 45 per cent less likely to develop the cancer.

It is thought that the findings stem from a link between the chemical which causes balding, dihydrotestosterone, and the amounts of testosterone found in the body.