Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has intensified calls for a targeted prostate cancer screening programme, saying he is “convinced of the urgency” of introducing an affordable and deliverable plan that could save countless lives.
In an interview with the BBC, Sunak said screening could be transformative for men’s health, particularly for those at higher risk. His appeal comes as the UK National Screening Committee reviews its previous decision from five years ago not to recommend routine screening for prostate cancer.
Targeted Screening for High-Risk Groups
Sunak, now an ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research, supports the charity’s proposal for a targeted programme focusing on men aged 45–69 with a family history of prostate cancer and Black men, who are twice as likely to develop the disease. This group includes approximately 1.3 million men across the UK.
The report estimates an annual cost of £25 million, or £18 per patient, aligning with existing national screening programmes for bowel and breast cancer. It proposes that 20% of eligible men be invited each year, with a 72% participation rate, and only a 23% increase in diagnostic activity required — achievable with minor NHS staffing adjustments.
The screening would involve both a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and an MRI scan, followed by a biopsy if necessary.
Sunak and Experts Weigh In
“I’ve had family and friends affected by prostate cancer,” Sunak shared. “Catching it early makes all the difference — doctors can treat it effectively when it’s detected in time. That’s why a proactive, targeted screening programme could save lives.”
However, the PSA test remains controversial. Elevated PSA levels can occur due to non-cancerous factors like infection, leading to false positives and unnecessary treatment. Medical experts such as Professor Hashim Ahmed, Chair of Urology at Imperial College London, caution that screening could cause harm through overdiagnosis. “The problem is we can often find disease that doesn’t need to be treated and end up causing harm,” he said.
Despite these concerns, Sunak believes the time is right for change. Advances in MRI technology have made testing more reliable and focused, he said: “The moment is now – it’s deliverable and affordable.”
Patient Stories Strengthen the Case
Sunak’s advocacy is backed by patients like David Bateman, 66, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 59 after requesting a PSA test. “If I had been screened at 50, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today,” he said, adding that his sons, aged 38 and 40, should be screened early.
As the National Screening Committee weighs new evidence, the push for targeted prostate cancer screening is gaining momentum — balancing the urgent need for early detection against the risks of overdiagnosis.
