Prostate Cancer UK suggests that men at a higher risk of prostate cancer should be offered a test by their GPs, even if they do not exhibit any symptoms of the disease. This recommendation is based on two trials conducted by the charity, which demonstrated that tests measuring prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels can reduce the number of men who die from prostate cancer, despite previous concerns about their reliability.
Currently, PSA tests are typically offered by doctors to men showing symptoms of prostate cancer. However, high-risk men with no symptoms, such as those over 50, black men, and men with a family history of the disease, are not proactively offered these tests. The NHS explains that while PSA levels can be elevated due to non-cancerous conditions, the test alone cannot determine if cancer is the underlying cause.
Dr. Matthew Hobbs, the director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, emphasizes that existing guidelines contribute to late diagnoses and create significant disparities across the UK. He highlights the shift in evidence, stating that two separate trials have provided robust evidence supporting the efficacy of PSA testing in reducing prostate cancer-related deaths. The trials conducted by the charity revealed a 79% reduction in potential harm caused by the disease when men underwent a PSA test along with a pre-biopsy MRI scan.
In light of this compelling evidence, Prostate Cancer UK is advocating for NHS guidelines to align with modern research findings. Each year, over 52,000 individuals receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, making it the most prevalent form of cancer among men. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulties with urination, an increased urge to urinate, and the presence of blood in the urine or semen.
The charity’s push for broader access to PSA testing is underscored by personal experiences, such as that of Clive Efford, a Labour MP diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2023. Efford recounts his doctors’ reluctance to provide a test despite his family history of the disease, a sentiment echoed by other individuals advocating for improved screening protocols.
Celebrities like Sir Rod Stewart have also used their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of regular prostate cancer testing. Stewart’s disclosure of his cancer diagnosis and treatment underscored the significance of routine check-ups in detecting the disease early. The impact of public figures sharing their prostate cancer journeys has led to increased referrals for testing, as seen following the revelations of Bill Turnbull and Stephen Fry.
Both the NHS and the Department for Health and Social Care have expressed commitments to implementing effective cancer screening measures and updating screening guidelines. With investments in innovative detection methods, such as the £16 million initiative to enhance early prostate cancer detection, efforts are underway to enhance survival rates and provide men with the best chances of overcoming prostate cancer.
