Dr Rosie: Screening for Prostate Cancer

This week’s health update with Dr Rosie focused on men’s health and recent developments around prostate cancer screening.

The UK National Screening Committee has decided not to recommend mass NHS screening for prostate cancer at this time.

Instead, they recommend targeted screening only for men with specific BRCA gene variations, because these individuals face a higher risk.​

Why No Mass Screening?

Mass prostate cancer screening has not been adopted because current tests, like PSA, can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, resulting in unnecessary biopsies and side effects for many men who may never be harmed by their cancer.

There are two main types of prostate cancer—one aggressive and life-threatening, the other slow-growing and often less concerning.

The challenge is diagnosing the riskier kind accurately, so men at higher risk receive appropriate intervention without causing harm to those with less dangerous disease.​

What’s Changing?

A national screening programme is not recommended currently for men at increased risk such as Black men or those with a family history, due to insufficient evidence that screening provides more benefit than harm in these groups.

However, new research trials are underway to develop more reliable ways to detect high-risk cancer and improve the safety and accuracy of screening. Results from these studies may influence policy in the future.​

Dr Rosie’s Advice

Dr Rosie encourages men to watch for warning signs of prostate problems, such as difficulties with urine flow, blood in the urine, or other changes in urinary symptoms. Early detection through awareness and prompt discussion with a GP remains important since even without mass screening, individual assessment and diagnostic tools can help manage risk for those who are symptomatic or worried.​

This decision highlights the need for better tests and ongoing research, but also empowers men to be proactive about their own health.