A coalition of over 120 Members of Parliament (MPs) has united to advocate for a targeted national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK, a move highlighted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he personally delivered a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. This initiative aims to address the growing incidence of prostate cancer, the most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 63,000 cases diagnosed annually and over 12,000 deaths attributed to the disease each year.
The letter emphasizes that the UK has the potential to lead globally in reducing preventable deaths from prostate cancer, but risks lagging behind without the introduction of routine targeted screenings. Currently, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer, unlike established protocols for breast, bowel, and lung cancers. The UK National Screening Committee is scheduled to meet on November 30, 2025, to evaluate new findings in prostate cancer diagnosis and determine its recommendations.
The campaign, supported by various political figures including Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, argues that no man should succumb to prostate cancer due to factors such as location or ethnicity. The letter states, “This is a defining moment for men’s health,” urging the government to take decisive action to ensure that high-risk individuals are not neglected.
Recent research has underscored the effectiveness of screening. A significant study indicated that screening can reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer by 13 percent, equating to one life saved for every 456 men screened. The advances in diagnostic technology, particularly modern MRI techniques, have decreased potential harms associated with screening, such as unnecessary biopsies, by 79 percent. Additionally, it is estimated that implementing a targeted screening programme would cost the National Health Service (NHS) approximately £18 for each man invited to screenings.
Catching prostate cancer in its earlier stages is not only crucial for patient outcomes but also economically beneficial for the NHS. The letter notes that the cost of treating late-stage cancer can reach up to £127,000 per patient, while early-stage treatment averages around £13,000.
The MPs urge immediate action, stressing that delays could entrench existing health inequalities and allow for preventable deaths. “The evidence is strong enough to act now,” they assert, pointing out that the tools and techniques available today for safe and effective screening have drastically changed since the last review by the committee.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who has publicly disclosed his own experience with prostate cancer, has also joined the call for a structured screening programme. He highlights the importance of proactive health measures, stating that the current system, which relies on chance, is inadequate.
Labour MP Calvin Bailey, who also co-delivered the letter, emphasized the urgent need for change, noting the emotional and financial toll on families affected by late-stage diagnoses. “We are witnessing deepening inequalities where men at increased risk are turned away despite their requests for tests,” Bailey remarked.
The campaign is further supported by Oliver Kemp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer Research, who criticized reliance on outdated arguments against screening. He pointed out that the UK must not fall behind other nations that are progressing towards risk-adapted testing.
As the UK National Screening Committee prepares to deliberate on the future of prostate cancer screening, the collective call from MPs and health advocates highlights a critical moment in public health policy. The introduction of a targeted screening programme could represent a significant advancement in men’s health, potentially saving lives and establishing a new standard for preventive care.
