The need for a UK national screening programme to enable early detection of prostate cancer is now more important than ever, with one in six men receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Regular screening will ensure the early detection of the disease and allow for timely treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes. According to The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer, cases are projected to double from 1.4 million per year in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040, highlighting the need for immediate action.

In the UK alone, around 12,000 men die every year from prostate cancer. This could be dramatically reduced by the introduction of earlier widespread testing and subsequent earlier interventions.

Public interest and media attention have surged around the call for a national prostate cancer screening programme. Notably, Sir Chris Hoy is advocating for the introduction of national screening, particularly for those with a family history of the disease, even if they are under 50.Rishi Sunak has joined Prostate Cancer Research UK as an ambassador to advocate for the introduction of a national screening programme for high risk men.