Prostate cancer screening targeted at high-risk men could save thousands of lives annually and have a transformational impact on men’s health across generations, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asserted at a recent parliamentary event. Sunak, speaking alongside Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, emphasised the urgency of shifting from reactive care to proactive prevention, highlighting mounting evidence that early detection and treatment dramatically improve survival rates and reduce healthcare costs.

The call came during the launch of a report by Prostate Cancer Research, which argues that implementing a targeted national screening programme for men aged 45 to 69—particularly those who are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer—would cost the National Health Service (NHS) just £18 per patient annually. This would amount to about £25 million a year, representing a mere 0.01% increase in the NHS budget. The report projects that such a programme would add 1,254 years of life annually, while requiring relatively modest additional resources such as five MRI scanners and 75 extra staff members.

Sunak stressed that prostate cancer is often symptomless in its early stages, meaning men are unlikely to seek medical advice until the disease has progressed. “That instinct, though, is costing children their dads, costing friends precious time together and costing lives,” he said. The former PM’s appeal for government will to act was matched by Lammy, who described the campaign as deeply personal due to his family’s experience with cancer. The deputy prime minister underscored the importance of an evidence-led approach, noting the UK National Screening Committee’s ongoing review of prostate cancer screening as a priority.

The report’s emphasis on a targeted approach aligns with health secretary Wes Streeting’s recent backing of enhanced prostate cancer screening efforts. Streeting has expressed particular sympathy for screening men at highest risk first, in line with existing NHS cancer screening programmes for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers. Industry experts and campaigners, including Oliver Kemp, chief executive of Prostate Cancer Research, urge that this strategic step could reduce health inequalities, particularly impacting Black men who face disproportionately higher risks.

While the idea of prostate cancer screening holds promise, the conversation is nuanced by the consideration of cost-effectiveness and innovations in diagnostic technology. A study from Imperial College London supports cost-effective treatment options such as minimally invasive focal therapies, which may improve outcomes and quality of life by reducing side effects compared to traditional treatments like surgery and radiotherapy. Additionally, advances in testing, including the Stockholm3 screening method evaluated by NICE, suggest potential improvements over conventional PSA testing by reducing unnecessary biopsies and enhancing diagnostic precision.

Further innovation is underway: researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research in London have developed a saliva test capable of predicting prostate cancer risk through DNA analysis, which could revolutionise early diagnosis and potentially save the NHS hundreds of millions annually by avoiding expensive late-stage treatments.

However, some economic evaluations urge cautious optimism. A systematic review published in PubMed questioned the overall cost-effectiveness of widespread prostate cancer screening, noting costs per quality-adjusted life year that exceed typical thresholds. Such assessments underscore the need for rigorous evidence and careful allocation of resources.

Adding to the evidence base, Prostate Cancer UK has launched the £42 million TRANSFORM trial—the largest prostate cancer screening study in two decades. This extensive research initiative aims to identify the most effective screening protocols through the participation of hundreds of thousands of men, with the goal of providing definitive answers to improve survival while optimising resource use.

Sunak’s advocacy, backed by cross-party support, health leadership, and mounting research, positions a targeted prostate cancer screening programme as a potentially life-saving, cost-effective intervention. The UK National Screening Committee’s forthcoming decision later this year will be pivotal in determining how the NHS can best implement this strategy to reduce the burden of prostate cancer, save lives, and alleviate pressures on the health system for years to come.

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Source: Noah Wire Services