Daisy Appeal brings breakthrough prostate cancer scans to local patients

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Members of the Daisy Appeal team

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Medical charity the Daisy Appeal is introducing a cutting-edge scan that could transform how prostate cancer is detected and treated for thousands of men across the region.

March marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, shining a light on the UK’s most common cancer in men, which affects more than 4,000 men in Yorkshire every year.

Now, the Daisy Appeal has announced a major step forward for patients in Hull and the East Riding. At the charity’s new Molecular Imaging Research Centre (MIRC) at Castle Hill Hospital, Gallium-68 PSMA PET scans are set to be introduced, offering a more precise way to detect and stage prostate cancer and helping doctors choose the most effective treatments.

Currently, many patients must travel long distances to access the advanced scans, but that is about to change.

Dr Louis Allott, head of radiochemistry at MIRC, said : “The massive difference is accessibility. Currently, local men travel hundreds of miles for these scans. Once the Gallium-68 generator is installed in April 2026, we’ll produce the radiotracer on-site, no travel, no delays.

“Gallium-68 PSMA PET scans offer superior detection of prostate cancer spread. On-site production means Hull and East Riding patients get faster access.”

The Daisy Appeal funds equipment and research to support the NHS in detecting cancer, heart disease and dementia.

Professor Nick Stafford, Chair of the charity, said the new generator reflects the organisation’s founding mission to bring world-class medical technology to the region.

“As a charity, we fund equipment and research to detect cancer, heart disease and dementia on behalf of the NHS,” he said. “This generator delivers our founding mission: world-class imaging for our community.”

Across the UK, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime - rising to one in four for Black men - with around 12,000 deaths each year.

Early detection using advanced imaging can significantly improve outcomes.

The Daisy Appeal is also seeking support for further research to extend the technology to help detect more cancers, heart disease and dementia.

People wishing to support the charity can donate at daisyappeal.org/donate.