Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) has advised 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 about overdiagnosis and the potential for treatment side effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, in men who may not require intervention. An exception has been made for men with BRCA2 genetic mutations and a family history of certain cancers, who are now recommended for screening every two years between the ages of 45 and 61. The UKNSC also advised against screening for other high-risk groups, including black men and those with BRCA1 mutations, citing insufficient evidence or lower risk. While Cancer Research UK supports the evidence-based recommendation, Prostate Cancer UK expressed deep disappointment, arguing that a mass screening programme could save thousands of lives. In fullMajority of men in UK will not be offered routine prostate cancer screeningThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Why experts have advised against widespread prostate cancer screening
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) has advised 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 about overdiagnosis and the potential for treatment side effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, in men who may not require intervention. An exception has been made for men with BRCA2 genetic mutations and a family history of certain cancers, who are now recommended for screening every two years between the ages of 45 and 61. The UKNSC also advised against screening for other high-risk groups, including black men and those with BRCA1 mutations, citing insufficient evidence or lower risk. While Cancer Research UK supports the evidence-based recommendation, Prostate Cancer UK expressed deep disappointment, arguing that a mass screening programme could save thousands of lives. In fullMajority of men in UK will not be offered routine prostate cancer screeningThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
