The Urology Foundation’s response to the prostate cancer screening recommendation

Every year, over 55,000 males receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in the UK and analysis suggests that prostate cancer cases are expected to double worldwide between 2020 and 2040. Behind each of these diagnoses is a man and his loved ones who will likely face real personal challenge. We know that for many, an early diagnosis could make all the difference in terms of a positive outcome and recovery from prostate cancer.

The UK National Screening Committee has made a recommendation not to introduce a full national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK at this time. Instead, the Committee has recommended a targeted screening programme only for men with known BRCA gene variations, because the evidence shows that their cancers are more likely to be faster growing and more aggressive. They have recommended that these men should be screened every two years, from 45 to 61 years. For these men, this could mean receiving a diagnosis earlier and a better outcome.

We understand that many prostate cancer patients and their loved ones will be disappointed by the UK National Screening Committee’s decision not to introduce a prostate cancer national screening programme for the vast majority of men. This will be particularly difficult for men in those higher risk groups, due to ethnicity or family history, that have not been recommended for screening, where the case for targeted screening is more compelling.

Conversations around a national screening programme for prostate cancer have been widespread in recent years and, understandably, strong evidence is needed to make a decision on whether to screen for what is the most common cancer in men in the UK. We therefore welcome research, such as the TRANSFORM randomised controlled trial, which will provide much needed evidence on the way national screening programmes for prostate cancer should be designed and delivered in the longer term. We recognise that this will take time and we understand that many people will be disappointed by the current recommendation.

In light of this decision, we believe it is now more important than ever that the prostate cancer community comes together to raise awareness amongst the general public, to encourage everyone to recognise their risks, as well as signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. We welcome initiatives and awareness raising activities and will look to work collaboratively with others involved in prostate cancer. The Urology Foundation will continue to provide information and deliver campaigns and resources to support all those men and their families who are impacted by prostate cancer.

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, rising to 1 in 4 for black men. We are aware that many people who are at higher risk, often in seldom-heard groups, may also have cultural or social barriers to engaging in conversations about this sensitive topic. The Urology Foundation is committed to working collaboratively with the prostate cancer community to encourage all those in at-risk groups (particularly black men or those with a family history), and those who are concerned about prostate cancer, to speak to their GP about PSA testing.