A new UK study shows that targeted prostate cancer screening has major benefits and few risks. For every year of health lost due to side effects, seven healthy years are gained.
The study looked at men aged 45 to 70 with a family history of prostate cancer, and Black men, who are at higher risk. It found that screening these groups with PSA blood tests could catch cancer early in about 820 men each year. Nearly one in four of them could avoid late-stage cancer.
The research was done by Deloitte using NHS and national health data. It suggests early screening could cut UK prostate cancer deaths by 40%. Each five-year screening round could add over 140 healthy life years, with just 20 years lost to side effects.
Prostate Cancer Research, which funded the study, is calling on the UK government to start a national screening program. Its leaders say new tools now make PSA testing more accurate and safer than before.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he supports screening if the evidence is strong. The UK National Screening Committee is currently reviewing whether to recommend it.
The government says its long-term cancer plan is already helping, with new research and faster diagnosis to save more lives.
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