“Have that quick conversation – encourage the men in your life to take Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second risk checker and get their PSA levels tested with a simple blood test.” 

That was the message from Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, following a recent parliamentary event on prostate cancer that led to a potentially life-saving diagnosis within her own team. 

Mrs Lopez attended a Prostate Cancer Research drop-in event this week to learn more about advances in diagnosis and treatment, and to discuss the ongoing need for early testing and greater awareness. 

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, but too many cases are still diagnosed late,” said Mrs Lopez. “I wanted to hear directly from those working on the front line about what more we can do to support early testing and research.” 

Although Mrs Lopez regularly attends such events as the MP for Hornchurch & Upminster, she emphasised how vital they remain in raising awareness and driving real-world impact. 

That importance was brought home after a previous Prostate Cancer UK event, when a member of her team spoke with their father about taking a PSA test – a conversation that led to a prostate cancer diagnosis, catching the disease early when it may have otherwise been missed.

“We know that events like these happen all the time in Parliament, but this week I’ve seen first-hand just how powerful they can be,” Mrs Lopez added. “They can make an enormous difference. So I’m asking everyone reading this to take a moment to have that conversation with a loved one – it could save their life.” 

Earlier this year, Mrs Lopez also raised the issue of prostate cancer in Parliament by submitting a written question to the Department of Health & Social Care on age-related disparities in diagnosis and treatment in Havering. 

She continues to support efforts to improve early detection, raise awareness, and secure sustainable funding for prostate cancer research and services.