Will the Minister make a statement on the availability of template biopsies for suspected prostate cancer patients in Wales, including whether these are consistently available to patients in all health board areas?
The Welsh Government expects health board to deliver investigations of suspected prostate cancer in line with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance:www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng131/chapter/Recommendations#assessment-and-diagnosis
Transrectal Ultrasound is the most common prostate biopsy technique but clinical practice is changing, with greater use of transperineal biopsy. NICE has published interventional procedure guidance to support this change in practice: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg364
The Welsh Government does not hold information on health board provision of transperineal biopsy of the prostate but the National Prostate Cancer Audit is tracking provision of this technique. The next audit report is due in January 2021 but the previous report can be found at: https://www.npca.org.uk/reports/?audience%5B%5D=professional