Bupa UK Insurance and Cromwell Hospital have launched a new Specialist Centre for prostate cancer, giving patients fast access to diagnostic tests and if needed, onward care. There are plans to further extend the network next year.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, affecting around one in eight men in their lifetime. If caught early – research suggests treatment at stages one and two has a near 100% survival rate compared to around 50% at stage four.
Despite this, Bupa research shows that a quarter of men have put off having a health issue checked. What’s more, one in 10 admit to deliberately missing or delaying a cancer screening, with a quarter (28%) saying they couldn’t fit it around work.
To make it easier for customers to seek care and speed up access to tests and treatment, Bupa health insurance customers worried about symptoms can get an appointment at a Specialist Centre for prostate cancer within just two working days. There they can have all initial diagnostic tests and scans in the same appointment. If necessary, customers will be treated within 31 days of calling Bupa – twice as fast as national targets.
Bupa first launched its network of Specialist Centres for breast cancer in 2019. Last year it expanded to include fast diagnosis and treatment for bowel cancer. In Bupa’s Specialist Centres, customers benefit from an outstanding customer experience and high-quality care, which includes access to the latest and most effective treatments. Customers can also access emotional and wellbeing support from counsellors and nurses to help them through a cancer diagnosis, and access to Bupa’s Live Well with Cancer and enhanced recovery programmes.
Alex Perry, CEO of Bupa UK Insurance said: “With cancer, speed is of the essence and we know that early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Analysis of data from our Specialist Centres for breast cancer shows that we’re helping customers get a diagnosis much quicker, and at earlier stages, when it’s easier to treat. That’s why we’re expanding our Specialist Centres with the Cromwell Hospital to include prostate cancer, so more customers can get fast access to the treatment they need.”
Philip Luce, CEO of Cromwell Hospital said: “We’re proud to be working with Bupa UK Insurance to be a specialist centre for prostate cancer, providing quick diagnosis, faster access to treatment and the latest technology to aid quicker recovery and help to save lives.”
To increase awareness of prostate cancer and help spot signs earlier, Bupa has launched a new campaign with Ugo Monye, a former England rugby international player and Strictly contestant. Ugo lost his father to prostate cancer just over a year ago and he’s encouraging men to get checked as soon as possible if they notice unexplained or persistent changes to their health.