A national prostate cancer screening programme applying new technologies could generate socio-economic benefits to the UK of over £200 million, reveals new report

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in UK men, with over 55,000 new cases reported annually, and the second most deadly cancer amongst men. Early detection of the disease, via a national screening programme, is essential for improving treatment outcomes and survival chances.

The existing “informed choice” system for requesting testing places the onus on men to understand their risk and actively seek testing. This system is both ineffective and inefficient and contributes to the fact that men from high-risk groups, particularly Black men, are more likely to be diagnosed late and are more than twice as likely to die from this disease.

The report details how replacing the existing system with a national targeted screening programme would reduce these late diagnoses and deaths. Additional analysis from PCR has found that this would move the UK from being one of worst OECD performers on prostate cancer to being one of the best.

The report also explores the potential impact of introducing future improvements in testing technologies into a screening programme for the general population (aged 50-69).

Analysis shows that introducing a more effective test into the diagnostic pathway could lead to around 2,565 earlier diagnoses annually⁵, improving survival rates and quality of life. As a result, a 5-year screening programme could deliver positive socio-economic benefits to the UK of over £200 million⁶.

If lower-cost and higher-accuracy tests are developed in the future, the cost and lifesaving benefits of screening could be even greater.  

Oliver Kemp, CEO of Prostate Cancer Research, said:

“Prostate cancer is taking too many lives, and our current system of ‘informed choice’ is failing those at greatest risk. Our report proves that targeted screening could save lives and alleviate the burden on our healthcare system by avoiding late-stage diagnoses and the associated treatments. We have also shown for the first time that a universal screening programme using existing technologies is within our grasp. It’s time we took concrete steps towards making that happen. It’s time to act and bring hope to thousands of men and their families across the UK.”

Aidan Adkins, who has terminal prostate cancer, said:

“Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 53—fit, with no symptoms or family history. By the time it was found, it was already too late for a cure, despite years of intense treatment. Prostate cancer claims over 12,000 lives annually in the UK, costing not only lives but immense NHS resources. The Prostate Cancer Research report offers a solution that’s both effective and cost-efficient. I urge policymakers to act now and implement this solution to spare future generations from the same fate—our brothers, sons, and nephews deserve a fighting chance. All I ask is that we have the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Professor Nick James, consultant clinical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS foundation trust and professor of prostate cancer research at the Institute of Cancer Research, said:

“Early diagnosis is essential to saving lives, yet certain groups, particularly men from disadvantaged backgrounds or African heritage, continue to face higher rates of late-stage diagnoses and mortality. This report reveals the profound impact that targeted screening could have in reducing these disparities, improving survival rates, and alleviating strain on our healthcare system. Addressing inequalities in access to screening is also crucial. Innovative approaches like mobile, nurse-led testing have shown me how accessible screening can effectively reach underserved communities. With a national commitment to targeted screening using existing technologies, we can make an immediate, meaningful difference for thousands of men across the UK right now and advance our fight against prostate cancer.”

[¹] Note: this is based on 3,233 diagnoses over a 5-year period.

[²] Note: this is based on 828 diagnoses over a 5-year period.

[³] Note: this is based on a reduction in stage 4 diagnoses of 1,162 over a 5-year period.

[⁴] Note: this is based on a reduction in stage 4 diagnoses of 297 over a 5-year period.

[⁵] Note: this is based on 12,819 diagnoses over a 5-year period.

[⁶] Note: the impacts are estimated over a 30-year period.