Is it time for a prostate cancer screening programme?

When it comes to prostate cancer, early diagnosis is crucial. Because when you find it early, it’s much easier to treat.  

That’s why a screening programme is so important. It’s a way of checking men early – to find cancer before symptoms show up. 

Even though it’s the most common cancer in men, prostate cancer is the only major cancer without a screening programme.  

But that could finally be about to change. Because soon, the UK National Screening Committee will decide if it’s now time for prostate cancer screening. 

So what could this mean for men? Watch our video to learn more.

Video explains in four minutes why a prostate cancer screening programme is essential for men and the potential decisions the National Screening Programme could make.

Sign up to our mailing list today to get the latest news and updates on prostate cancer screening delivered straight to your inbox. 

JOIN US

A turning point on our path to early diagnosis

In the past, methods for diagnosing prostate cancer were unreliable and often led to men having unnecessary tests and treatments – which could be harmful or cause serious side effects. That’s why we’ve never had a routine screening programme for prostate cancer before. 

But today, things are different. Through our research and campaigning, we’ve driven forward major breakthroughs that have transformed the way we diagnose the disease. 

Has the balance finally shifted in favour of having a screening programme? Do the benefits of screening men now outweigh the harms? We’ve made our case to the UK National Screening Committee and later this year they’ll decide.

Three steps to start saving men’s lives today

Whatever the committee decides, one thing’s for sure. We can’t stand still and let thousands of men miss their chance for an early diagnosis.  

Every man needs to know his risk right now, so he can make a choice about whether to have a simple PSA blood test to check for early warning signs of prostate cancer. 

That’s why we want the Government to act now on early detection – so we can start saving men’s lives today. 

While we wait for a decision on screening, here are three things we want to see straight away. 

NSC Webpage And N&V Images
While we wait for a prostate cancer screening programme the Government needs to overhaul outdated NHS guidelines; fund a nationwide public awareness campaign and swap confusing health information for our Risk Checker

Find out more

Prostate Cancer Screening N&V Promo

Have we finally reached a turning point on prostate cancer screening?

It’s the only major cancer without a screening programme. But with the UK National Screening Committee set to review the latest evidence, that could be about to change. Here’s what it means for men.
Read more
202302 GP And Consultant Shoot Rosie Lonsdale 145 Father Son Doctor

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

Wes Streeting has signalled his support for a nationwide prostate cancer screening programme that’s backed up by concrete evidence. The Health Secretary is right about screening – and here’s why.
Read more
202504 Parliament Campaign Letter Gem Huntingford 79 (1)

‘Black men can’t wait any longer’: thousands sign letter calling for change to NHS guidelines

Right now, our health system is failing Black men – but there’s a simple solution. It’s about time the Government took urgent action to overhaul outdated NHS guidelines, so GPs can start potentially lifesaving conversations with men at highest risk of prostate cancer.
Read more