Plans for a prostate cancer screening programme in the UK are likely to face significant challenges following the anticipated findings of a major review. The UK National Screening Committee is set to release its draft recommendations on the routine offering of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to men at high risk of developing the disease at 15:00 today.
Currently, men can request a PSA test from their general practitioner, but previous assessments have deemed it insufficiently reliable for incorporation into an NHS screening programme. The committee’s review is expected to conclude that the potential harms of routine screening may outweigh the benefits. Specifically, it is likely to reject targeted screening initiatives for Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, despite their elevated risk levels.
The committee may, however, initiate a consultation focused on screening for men with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate tumours.
This review arrives amid a growing public discourse on prostate cancer screening, notably highlighted by former prime minister Lord David Cameron. Cameron recently shared his own experience with prostate cancer, revealing that he underwent a PSA test, subsequent MRI scan, and biopsy after hearing Nick Jones, founder of Soho House, discuss his own cancer journey on the radio. Cameron stated, “You always dread hearing those words. And then literally as they’re coming out of the doctor’s mouth you’re thinking, ‘Oh, no, he’s going to say it. He’s going to say it. Oh God, he said it.’”
In an interview with The Times, Lord Cameron expressed his desire to see screening options available for high-risk men. He remarked, “I don’t particularly like discussing my personal intimate health issues, but I feel I ought to. Let’s be honest. Men are not very good at talking about their health. We tend to put things off.”
Cameron emphasized the importance of addressing health issues, particularly those related to prostate health, which can be intertwined with sexual health concerns. He acknowledged, “I would feel bad if I didn’t come forward and say that I’ve had this experience. I had a scan. It helped me discover something that was wrong. It gave me the chance to deal with it.”
Prostate cancer remains a pressing health concern in the UK, with approximately 55,000 new cases diagnosed each year, making it the most common cancer among men. As discussions around screening options continue, the outcomes of the UK National Screening Committee’s review could have lasting implications for patient care and prevention strategies in the country.
