A Ceredigion Penfro MS who is living with prostate cancer has called on the Welsh Government to introduce a national prostate cancer screening programme.

Paul Davies, who represented Preseli Pembrokeshire for the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd from 2007 until the last election where a constituency shake-up saw him take up one six seats in Ceredigion Penfro, tabled an amendment during a Senedd debate on the future of cancer services in Wales.

Mr Davies urged Ministers to make early detection a priority and ensure that prostate cancer is specifically addressed in the forthcoming National Cancer Strategy for Wales.

More than 2,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Wales each year, with around 640 men dying from the disease.

Speaking during the debate this week the Conservative Senedd Member said his personal experience had given him a greater understanding of the challenges facing patients and their families and strengthened his determination to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Mr Davies said: "As someone living with prostate cancer, I know first-hand the impact that a diagnosis can have, not just on the individual but on their family too.

"Early detection can make an enormous difference.

“When prostate cancer is caught early, survival rates are close to 100 per cent, yet too many men are still being diagnosed at a later stage.

"That's why I've tabled an amendment calling for a national prostate cancer screening programme in Wales.

“I want the Welsh Government to seriously explore how we can make earlier detection more accessible and ultimately save lives.

"Wales doesn't have to wait for England or other parts of the UK to act.

“We have an opportunity to lead the way, and I believe we should be looking at what more we can do."

Mr Davies also called for prostate cancer to be explicitly included in the Welsh Government's new National Cancer Strategy, warning that the consultation must lead to meaningful improvements rather than becoming another tick-box exercise.

He highlighted the importance of ensuring that patients across Wales can benefit from advances in diagnostic technology and innovative treatments, regardless of where they live.

Mr Davies has previously worked with Labour peer Lord Kevin Brennan to raise awareness of prostate cancer, sharing their personal experiences and highlighting the case for a national screening programme.

He added: "This isn't about party politics.

“I've worked with colleagues from other parties because we all share the same goal of improving outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"The new National Cancer Strategy is an important opportunity to get this right.

“We need to listen to patients, invest in the latest treatments and make sure that men in every part of Wales have access to the best possible care.

"Above all, I want to see a much stronger focus on early diagnosis.

“We owe it to the thousands of men living with prostate cancer, and those who will be diagnosed in the future, to do everything we can to improve their chances."