UK Rejects Routine Prostate Screening for Most Men

The UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) has issued a draft recommendation against routine prostate cancer screening for most men, concluding that the PSA test "is likely to cause more harm than good." This decision stems from concerns over high levels of overdiagnosis, where many detected cancers would not have caused harm, leading to unnecessary treatments and side effects like incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

While routine screening is not advised for the general population, the UKNSC will recommend screening every two years for men aged 45-61 who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, as these significantly increase prostate cancer risk. This targeted approach aims to balance the potential benefits of earlier diagnosis with the harms of widespread screening.

Further research is crucial, with experts closely monitoring the outcomes of Prostate Cancer UK's £42 million Transform trial. This trial investigates advanced screening methods, including combined PSA blood tests, genetic testing, and rapid MRI scans, aiming to provide more definitive evidence within two years. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the findings and stressed the need for early diagnosis while carefully considering the risks of broader screening.