Health experts have declined the proposal for increased routine testing of men for prostate cancer. The UK National Screening Committee has emphasized that routine testing may lead to unnecessary surgeries and has decided against extending testing to high-risk groups like Black men and those with a family history of the disease.
Despite advocacy from Olympic icon Sir Chris Hoy, along with charities and several politicians, the UKNSC utilized population modeling to determine that current blood tests lack reliability and may result in excessive treatment for benign tumors that pose no actual harm.
The committee’s final guidance stated that broadening screening would not significantly reduce overall mortality when considering all factors but did recommend it for a limited number of men with the BRCA gene.
Professor Sir Mike Richards, chair of UKNSC, acknowledged the support for prostate cancer screening but highlighted that while screening can marginally reduce prostate cancer-related deaths, it does not enhance overall survival.
Prostate cancer has become the most prevalent cancer in the UK, partly due to increased awareness leading to more screenings. Men can request a blood test from their GP if they encounter symptoms.
Sir Chris, in collaboration with Prostate Cancer UK, has pushed for men at risk to be invited for a specific antigen test once they reach a certain age, regardless of symptoms. However, the reliability of the test has been questioned.
The committee explained in a media briefing that while screening could lower some prostate cancer deaths, it might also contribute to premature deaths from other causes. This is due to potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment resulting from expanded PSA testing for high-risk men.
Over-treatment, often involving prostate removal, can lead to impotence, urinary incontinence, and severe side effects like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, impacting quality of life and, in some cases, reducing life expectancy.
Despite the draft guidance issued in November rejecting broad prostate cancer screening, a targeted screening every two years for men with the BRCA2 genetic variant has been recommended following a public consultation.
Less than 5% of prostate cancer cases are linked to BRCA genetic risk, prompting the government to consider the committee’s advice, likely leading to its acceptance.
Cancer Research UK’s Dr. Ian Walker emphasized the importance of evidence-based decisions regarding screening programs, urging the government to adhere to the UKNSC’s counsel.
Prostate Cancer UK’s director expressed disappointment in the final recommendation, highlighting the loss of thousands of lives annually without a screening program for the UK’s most common cancer.
The Department of Health and Social Care pledged to thoroughly evaluate the UKNSC’s recommendation before providing an official response.
