- Lifestyle
- Health & Families
A major update on the possibility of a population-wide prostate cancer screening programme has been announced.
Camilla FosterFriday 28 November 2025 15:14 GMT
open image in galleryNavigating a cancer diagnosis is a deeply personal process, and every individual copes differently (Alamy/PA) (Alamy/PA)
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After much deliberation, a government advisory committee announced on Friday afternoon that it will not be recommending population-wide prostate cancer screening in the UK.
The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) stated in a draft recommendation that the main reason for not recommending population screening using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is that it is “likely to cause more harm than good.”
Professor Sir Mike Richards, a former national cancer director and chairman of the UK NSC, told a briefing that modelling on PSA shows that “whole population screening may lead to a small reduction in prostate cancer deaths, but the very high levels of over-diagnosis”, meaning the harms outweigh the benefits.
However, experts are awaiting results from a major study launched by Prostate Cancer UK last week, which is investigating whether combining PSA testing with other tools – such as rapid MRI scans – could eventually support population-wide screening. It’s hoped that the results of this will be ready within two years.
Instead the committee has recommended a targeted screening programme every two years for men aged 45–61 who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants, which is subject to consultation.
Acknowledging how challenging a prostate cancer diagnosis can be, specialist nurse Grace Davey from Prostate Cancer UK shared some helpful advice to help men and their families navigate this difficult time.
Bring someone to your appointment with you
“When you’re told devastating news of having a cancer, many people say they cannot hear or process what’s going on in the rest of the appointment,” reflects Davey. “So, it can be helpful to have someone – whether that’s a friend, family member or partner – at that appointment to also listen to all the information.”
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
“It can be helpful to ask a few questions about what the type of prostate cancer is and how aggressive it is,” says Davey. “If you’re being given treatment options, it’s also useful to get an understanding of what they specifically are.”
However, the nurse adds that you shouldn’t feel pressured to make any quick decisions at the initial appointment.
“It’s more about making sure that you can take what they say away with you and can look up more information later on if you feel able to,” says Davey. “Remember that you can always go back to the treatment team to ask for clarification, or speak to one of our specialist nurses if you need more information.”
Choose the right setting to tell your family
“Make sure that when you break the news that you’re in the right setting,” advises Davey. “You might want to choose a quieter place where the conversation can flow more easily, wherever you feel most comfortable.”
Trust your instincts
Sharing a cancer diagnosis with family members, especially children, is a deeply personal process that varies for each family, explains Davey.
“Parents know their kids the best and how they might react, so it’s about trusting yourself and how you’re going to give that news,” says the specialist nurse. “Remember that healthcare professionals and our helpline are also there to support you in delivering this news and can help support family members too.”
Lean on your support system
“Lean on your family and friends and talk to them about the options and the impact that it might have on their life,” says Davey. “That can sometimes be a good way to reduce some of the worry or stress.”
Join a peer support group
“At Prostate Cancer UK, we offer a free one-to-one peer support service where men going through a prostate cancer diagnosis are matched with another man that’s gone through the same thing,” says Davey. “This can be a really useful service because it enables men to share their experiences, which can help them feel less alone.”
Look for information from reputable sources
“There’s lots of health information and health literature out there, so make sure you are looking at information from a viable trusted healthcare source,” advises Davey. “Our website, prostatecanceruk.org, has a lot of valuable information so having a look on there can be a really good place to start.”
Look after your wellbeing
“Maintaining good mental health and physical health is really important after a diagnosis,” says Davey. “At Prostate Cancer UK, we have a wellbeing hub where there are lots of different articles about different things which can help. For example, getting outside for a walk.”
She adds that wellbeing is highly individual, and that different activities and strategies working for different people.
“For some men, being able to get back to the gym or get back to cycling helps them feel better, emotionally and physically,” notes Davey. “Others might be keen to get out in their garden or see some of their friends whilst they’re on treatment.
“It’s really important to make sure you aren’t isolating yourself and are doing those things that were important to you before a diagnosis.”
