Mobile testing "Man Van" can diagnose prostate cancer in at-risk groups earlier and more affordably than GPs, according to new research. Sending mobile health clinics into areas of high deprivation and ethnic minority communities picked up more clinically significant prostate cancer—86% of cancers, compared with 50% through comparable studies—meaning fewer men are sent for unnecessary treatment. The research, which was presented at London Global Cancer Week at the Houses of Parliament on Friday 15 November, showed that this approach could be up to 25% cheaper than the standard GP route.
Targeting at-risk groups The Man Van project, developed by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and RM Partners, NW and SW London Cancer Alliance, aimed to find undiagnosed prostate cancer. Black men have double the risk of developing prostate cancer and an increased risk of having prostate cancer diagnosed late, when it is more difficult to treat. Similarly, men in deprived areas face higher rates of death from cancer than those in more affluent areas.
The nurse-led van was stationed in seven locations across London based on the population of ethnic minorities and the level of deprivation, in sites such as a football club, a community center, outside IKEA, a health center and a town hall. The Man Van worked with local community leaders to encourage men to visit the van and worked closely with local hospitals to ensure people were referred withi.