Sue Hammell, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers

Today, MLA Sue Hammell introduced the Access to Prostate Cancer Screening Act, which would ensure that asymptomatic men have access to pre-screening exams accompanied by active surveillance, both covered by the medical services plan of British Columbia.

“This year alone, 3,100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in British Columbia and 570 will die from it,” said Hammell. “The effects of prostate cancer have a significant negative impact on British Columbians as prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men.”

There is consensus among medical experts that pre-screening should be available for asymptomatic men of a particular age group accompanied by active surveillance.

“Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is one tool that can help detect prostate cancer earlier. Yet B.C. remains one of the few jurisdictions left in Canada that does not cover PSA screening. Experts in British Columbia are recommending PSA screening accompanied by active surveillance,” said Hammell. “It is my hope that this act will be duly considered by the health minister so British Columbia can catch up with other provinces and territories.

“With early detection and treatment, many lives can be saved,” said Hammell, whose own family has been affected by the diagnosis. “Charging for a PSA test, instead of providing a screening program, signals the test is unimportant. It can also deter men with lower incomes from getting screened.”

Hammell’s bill will set up a screening program that provides both the PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE).