Hi Darren.
My dad had prostate cancer. So did me and my younger brother. I have two sons, both in their earlier forties. I've warned them they may be at higher risk.
I'm not sure whether they will get tested or not. Knowing them as I do, I doubt, even if screening had been approved, it would affect whatever testing decisions they make.
I don't think they'll be much debate on a prostate cancer forum of which way we should go. Somewhere along the line, we'll hear "If it just saves one life, it'll be worth it.", and you cant really argue with that.
You mentioned the more susceptible group including those with a family history of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Ironically, I think they've just scrapped ovarian screening as it was deemed ineffective and only had a 16% uptake. Breast and bowel cancer screening uptakes are much higher at about 65%. However, research consistently shows that men are not as less likely as women to seek any medical attention including participation in screening programmes. Even if prostate cancer screening was introduced. I suspect the majority of men will not participate.
Personally, I can see the advantages and disadvantages of screening. Prostate Cancer UK supports screening, Cancer Research UK doesn't.
https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/04/06/prostate-cancer-screening-save-lives/#:~:text=But%20currently%20the%20UK%20National%20Screening%20Committee,the%20benefits%20do%20not%20outweigh%20the%20harms.
In my opinion the argument is in the balance. However, I doubt whether Wes Streeting will overule the National Screening Committee's decision. Call me a cynic if you want, but PSA screening isn't a vote winner, and although it could be argued that in the long term it may save NHS costs, it certainly won't in the short term.
Edited by member 29 Nov 2025 at 09:20
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