Warrington South MP Sarah Hall has joined campaigners, clinicians and researchers in Parliament to back calls for a national, targeted prostate cancer screening programme, a move she says could save lives every year.
At a parliamentary event hosted by Prostate Cancer Research, Sarah heard from clinicians, patients and experts as the charity launched new evidence showing that a targeted screening programme for men at higher risk is both practical and affordable.
The report, Prostate Cancer Screening: The Impact on the NHS, challenges the argument that the NHS cannot cope with the demand of a national screening programme, demonstrating that the benefits of introducing targeted screening for those at highest risk outweigh the financial and logistical costs.
The report sets out how early detection through targeted screening could prevent thousands of men from being diagnosed too late, particularly Black men and those with a family history of the disease.
The findings demonstrate that such a programme could be delivered for around £25 million a year, or just £18 per eligible person, bringing it in line with the cost of other national cancer screenings such as breast and bowel cancer.
It could also help ease pressure on the NHS by diagnosing prostate cancer earlier, when treatment is most effective.
Prostate Cancer Research is calling on the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) to fully consider this significant new evidence as they conduct their review of prostate cancer screening, ahead of a decision expected before the end of the year.
Sarah Hall, Member of Parliament for Warrington South, said: “Right now, too many men are being diagnosed too late, especially Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
“The evidence is clear: a targeted screening programme isn’t just possible, it’s practical and lifesaving.
“For around £18 per person, we can offer men the same early detection and peace of mind already available through other cancer screening programmes. That’s the kind of common-sense, compassionate step we need to take.
“With the right planning and investment from government and the NHS, this can be delivered and it will save lives.
“Prostate cancer often does not have symptoms at its earlier stages, when it’s much easier to treat. But there can be warning signs such as needing to urinate more often, a weak flow, or blood in your urine. Some men notice pain in the back, hips or pelvis, or problems getting or keeping an erection. Some symptoms are caused by other conditions, but if something feels different, speak to your GP.”
Oliver Kemp MBE, Chief Executive, Prostate Cancer Research, said: “Our report proves without doubt that a targeted screening programme can and should be implemented now.
“The current system, which relies on men to come forward, is failing thousands of families every single year. For an investment of just £18 per eligible person – a cost entirely comparable with breast and bowel cancer screening – we can give men at the highest risk a fighting chance of early diagnosis, when their cancer would be easiest to treat.
“The demands on our NHS are manageable when compared to the enormous, life-saving benefits. The evidence is clear; every year we delay costs more lives and tears more families apart.”
