Why the Health Secretary is right to back evidence-led screening for prostate cancer

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has given a clear indication that he wants to see a national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK.  

He’s right – and we’re pleased to hear him expressing his support for evidence-led screening, which has the potential to be a lifesaver for thousands of men at higher risk of the disease every single year. 

Right now the National Screening Committee is reviewing all the available evidence for prostate cancer screening in a number of different scenarios, including ones which would see the most at-risk men invited for regular tests. 

We’ve led the charge on targeted screening – and made a strong case to the committee that screening will do more good than harm.

And it’s about time we had a decision. Because men can’t wait any longer. 

It’s the most common cancer in England - and some men are at higher risk than others

Every year, more than 12,000 men die from prostate cancer. In fact, it’s now the most common cancer in England. And across the UK it’s the second biggest cancer killer among men.  

Shockingly, nearly half (47 per cent) of men aren’t diagnosed until their cancer has reached stage 3 or 4 and has become much harder to treat. 

What’s more, we know Black men’s risk of getting prostate cancer is double. And it’s been shown that they consistently experience poorer outcomes than other men. 

On top of all this, men who live in the most deprived areas are more likely than others to be diagnosed with the disease at a late stage – when it’s too late for a cure.  

But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

We know a simple blood test is the best first test for prostate cancer

There’s strong evidence from multiple large-scale clinical trials that shows a simple PSA blood test can spot the early warning signs of prostate cancer – and reduce the number deaths from the disease by up to 20 per cent. 

It’s the best first test for prostate cancer. And a safe and effective way of working out who would benefit from further tests, like an MRI scan. 

Diagnosing the disease is safer and more accurate than ever

We now know testing for prostate cancer is far safer and more effective for men than it’s ever been before. In fact, the latest NHS data shows recent developments in MRI scanning and biopsy techniques have led to a massive 79 per cent reduction in harms during the diagnostic pathway.  

It means the risk of men being ‘over-diagnosed’ and offered unnecessary treatments – which can carry harmful side effects – is now much lower than it used to be. 

Also, more than nine out of 10 men who are diagnosed with low-risk disease are now moved onto ‘active surveillance’, where their cancer is monitored regularly without the need for treatment at all. 

We have the tools to empower men to make an informed choice

Since 2021, more than 3 million men have used our 30-second online Risk Checker to find out whether they’re at higher risk of prostate cancer because of their age, ethnicity or family history.  

And not only is it quick and easy to use, the evidence shows our Risk Checker is helping empower men to make an informed choice about whether to have a PSA blood test to check for the early signs of prostate cancer. 

The Government must act now to change outdated NHS guidelines

It’s about time we had a decision on screening. But in the meantime there’s a simple step the Government can take straight away to make a real difference. 

We want to see a change to outdated NHS guidelines, so GPs can start having proactive conversations with men who are at the highest risk of the disease.  

This change would empower GPs to inform men about their higher risk and the option of having a PSA blood test. 

Amy Rylance, our Assistant Director of Health Improvement, said: “It’s great to hear Wes Streeting express his support for a prostate cancer screening programme, and acknowledging that some men have a higher risk of getting the disease than others. 

“While we wait for the National Screening Committee’s decision, the Government can do something right now to help men. We’re calling on the Government to change outdated NHS guidelines so that GPs can start having proactive conversations with men at the highest risk of getting prostate cancer, telling them about their risk and the option to get tested.” 

You can back our campaign today by signing our open letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, calling for an immediate change to the current NHS guidelines. 

Sign the letter