Campaigns
15 Oct 2025Screening is not about politics or statistics – it’s personal: an open letter from our CEO
As speculation mounts ahead of a landmark decision on prostate cancer screening, the voices of the people who matter most are being drowned out in the noise. Men deserve so much better, writes our Chief Executive, Laura Kerby.

I am writing this as we face yet another round of unconfirmed reports about the UK National Screening Committee (NSC)’s impending decision on the future of screening for prostate cancer in this country.
The political discourse and debate in the media about screening has ebbed and flowed over the past few years. But it has, for the most part, swung between extremes: either downplaying the seriousness of prostate cancer or overstating worst-case scenarios. In that noise, the voices that matter most – yours – have not been heard clearly or often enough. Men, I am so sorry. You deserve so much better.
Keeping the impact of prostate cancer at the forefront
In the UK, more than 63,000 men a year are diagnosed with prostate cancer. But what’s often lost in reporting – whether it’s political rumours, economic analysis or complex research data – is the impact the disease has on every single life it touches.
Some men respond with hope, some with anger, some with fear, some with resolve and determination. Some tell their families first, some their friends, some no one at all. Some take on incredible challenges like Kevin Webber, campaign for change like Errol McKellar, or use their platform to speak out and raise awareness like Sir Chris Hoy, Bill Turnbull or Colin McFarlane. Some take on their prostate cancer journey in private, using the strength they have to work through their treatment, or to spend quality time with friends and family.
The conversation around the most common cancer in men, and what the future holds when it comes to screening for this disease, must become more human centred.
Men’s lives can’t wait – we must all stand together
Each man’s prostate cancer journey is unique, just like men themselves. You are not simply statistics, or costs to add up on a spreadsheet, or votes to be counted. The conversation around the most common cancer in men, and what the future holds when it comes to screening for this disease, must become more human centred. Screening, when it does come, will only work if men turn up. So, you must also turn up in the discussion.
Our TRANSFORM trial will provide the vital evidence for screening
We all want a future where no man dies from this disease, and where every man is invited for safe and accurate tests to help diagnose prostate cancer early. We’re committed to building this, and we have the research trial that will make that future a reality.
Our £42 million TRANSFORM trial is backed by the Government and the NHS. It’s led by world-class researchers and will start delivering results in as little as two years.
We’ve built it to deliver for all men, ensuring that, for example, at least one in 10 of the men who are invited to take part in the trial are Black. This is particularly important, as Black men are at higher risk of getting the disease but have been neglected in past research. And, because we know men’s lives can’t wait, we’re working with the NSC, who have committed to reviewing the evidence from TRANSFORM as soon as it’s available, so this historic change will come as soon as it can – we hope within the next two years.
…we know we must listen to, learn from, and respect the experience of every man we support…
We remain in your corner, pushing for change
Regardless of whether these rumours are true, or indeed what the NSC review recommends at the end of November, we must work to change the public discourse around this disease and the lives it impacts.
As the leading men’s health charity, we know we must listen to, learn from, and respect the experience of every man we support. It’s our job to advocate for those men in politics, in the media, and wherever else we can make their voices heard. I hope those in positions of power and influence can find it in their hearts to do the same. To all the men that have heard the words “you have prostate cancer”, and all the partners, families, and friends that have been right there alongside them, know that at Prostate Cancer UK we'll always be in your corner. We'll keep pushing for change, and we'll guided by what's best for you. Thank you for your courage, your patience, and your resilience. It’s about time things changed.
Even though it’s the most common cancer in men, prostate cancer is the only major cancer without a screening programme. We need your help to fund research like our TRANSFORM trial to find the safest and most accurate tests for a nationwide screening programme. Please donate today.