Prostate cancer has officially become the most prevalent cancer in the UK, surpassing breast cancer for the first time. In 2022, approximately 64,425 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, compared to 61,640 cases of breast cancer, according to analysis by Prostate Cancer UK. This statistic reflects a notable 24 percent increase in diagnoses from the previous year, highlighting an urgent need for increased awareness and early screening.
The rise in prostate cancer cases comes in the wake of the disease being recognized as the most common cancer in England since January 2025. Recent data from Scotland, alongside figures from Wales and Northern Ireland, has enabled a comprehensive UK-wide understanding of the disease’s prevalence. The charity attributes a 42 percent rise in diagnoses over the last decade to heightened awareness efforts from charities, the National Health Service (NHS), and influential public figures.
Wes Streeting, the UK’s Health Secretary, expressed his surprise at the recent recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC), which advised against routine screening for all men. The committee has only recommended screening for men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, who are at significantly higher risk for developing prostate cancer, to occur every two years between the ages of 45 and 61.
Amid continued advocacy for comprehensive screening initiatives, Prostate Cancer UK is calling for the NHS to implement broader screening measures using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The charity is also conducting a major clinical trial, expected to yield results within two years, to determine whether combining the PSA test with rapid MRI scans could lead to a recommendation for universal screening among men.
The UKNSC’s draft recommendation has sparked criticism from several high-profile individuals. Among the voices speaking out are Olympic champion Chris Hoy, former Prime Minister David Cameron, broadcaster Stephen Fry, and actor Tony Robinson, all of whom have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They emphasize the importance of early detection and advocate for systematic discussions about screening between healthcare providers and patients.
The disparities in diagnosis rates highlight a troubling trend. Men residing in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation are 29 percent more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer compared to their counterparts in more affluent regions. Furthermore, while Scotland has seen an increase in diagnoses, men in that region are more likely to receive a late-stage diagnosis, with 31 percent diagnosed at advanced stages versus 21 percent in England.
Chiara De Biase, director of health services at Prostate Cancer UK, remarked on the new data, stating, “We’re hugely proud to have played our part in the growing awareness of prostate cancer, which has led to more men than ever being diagnosed and treated. But it is unacceptable that the full weight of responsibility still falls on men to understand their risk and communicate with their GP about PSA testing.”
De Biase further emphasized the need for an early detection program to address regional disparities in diagnosis and treatment. She encouraged men to utilize Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker, stating, “Knowing your risk could save your life.”
Chris Hoy echoed these sentiments, asserting that prostate cancer is treatable if detected early. He urged men to consult their GPs about the PSA blood test, stressing the importance of proactive discussions about risk factors, especially for those with a family history of the disease or who are from high-risk demographics.
While some experts caution against the PSA test due to its potential for false positives and the risk of overtreatment, others advocate for broader testing based on current evidence supporting its effectiveness in early detection.
As the conversation surrounding prostate cancer continues to evolve, the call for action remains clear: enhancing awareness, improving screening access, and fostering open dialogue between men and healthcare providers could lead to earlier diagnoses and ultimately save lives.
