An Aberdeen doctor says the introduction of more accurate scans will be a “game changer” in the fight against prostate cancer.
Dr Roger Staff, a clinical scientist at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, says that new scanning technology for detecting prostate cancer in Scotland will “significantly improve” its management.
He said: “This is not only a ‘game changer’ for patients with prostate cancer, but the installation of the infrastructure required will future-proof centres and allow new techniques to be introduced faster.”
The technology allows for more accurate readings on where cancers spread after initial treatment.
Doctors can use it to identify where any follow-up tumours are located and offer the appropriate treatment.
Announcing the technology at Men’s Health Week, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in Scotland, so it’s vital to ensure that the best treatment is available.”
Prostate Cancer UK’s Karen Stalbow, meanwhile, said the scans were “great news”.
She added: “Evidence shows that they are much better than current scans at showing whether a man’s prostate cancer has returned, allowing them access to the right treatments more quickly.”
The service is expected to be introduced during spring 2020 and will be provided at four centres across the country, including within NHS Grampian.