What steps it is taking to improve survival rates for men suffering from prostate cancer.

The Scottish Executive wants to improve survival rates for all cancers. We have adopted the target of reducing cancer-related, premature deaths by 20% between 1995 and 2010.The biology of prostate cancer is not yet fully understood. One of the main things, however, which will improve survival rates for prostate cancer is to increase the early reporting of cancers and we encourage men to seek early help and expect GPs to ensure rapid referral for specialist treatment when symptoms appear.In order to help increase our understanding of cancers and their treatment, the Scottish Executive has supported a range of cancer-related research projects with funding from the Chief Scientist Office, totalling nearly £2.2 million. Many of the findings of these projects are relevant to prostate cancer.The Scottish Cancer Group is also following the progress of a number of studies being undertaken internationally to evaluate new forms of treatment for prostate cancer and is considering how best these might be introduced into Scotland, should the research confirm that they are effective. In addition the Chief Medical Officer's Clinical Resources and Audit Group has funded an audit of all urological cancers, which includes cancer of the prostate. The audit, starting in 2000, will provide a nationwide picture of the process and treatment of this group of tumours and leave Scotland well placed to demonstrate the effectiveness of new therapies. The possibility of a screening programme is also being kept under review by the UK National Screening Committee.