Wes Streeting yesterday declared his support for a national prostate cancer screening programme in a major boost for the Mail’s campaign.
The health secretary told MPs he would like to see the NHS proactively offer men tests for the disease in a move that could prevent thousands of needless deaths.
He said he is ‘particularly sympathetic’ to the argument that this should initially be targeted at high-risk men.
This includes those who are black or have a family history of prostate cancer.
His remarks came a day after a landmark poll showed 94 per cent of GPs also back the Mail’s calls for such a scheme.
Analysis by Prostate Cancer Research suggests this would lead to an extra 775 cases being diagnosed early each year among men aged 45 to 69.
The UK National Screening Committee, which advises the government on which screening programmes to offer, is currently considering recent developments around prostate cancer diagnosis and is due to report its findings later this year.
Writing exclusively in the Mail today, Mr Streeting says: ‘I hope they can recommend a way forward that allows the NHS to seek out prostate cancer more proactively for those most at risk.’
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in England, with 55,033 cases identified in 2023, the latest figures show
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in England, with 55,033 cases identified in 2023, the latest figures show.
Catching prostate cancer early improves the chances of successfully treating the disease, which kills around 10,200 men in England each year .
There is currently a screening programme for breast, bowel and cervical cancer – but not for prostate.
Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, asked Mr Streeting: ‘Can I finish by asking whether you would like to see a national prostate cancer screening programme for men at high risk of the disease?’
He replied: ‘I would, I would like to see that.
‘But, and this is such an important but, decisions in this area do need to be evidence-based and evidence-led, and that’s why we have a National Screening Committee.
‘So, I’ve asked the National Screening Committee to look at this, and they are.
Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy (pictured), comedian Sir Stephen Fry and chef Ken Hom have spoken about their diagnosis to raise awareness of the disease
‘I think there is an even more compelling case around groups that are at higher risk of prostate cancer.’
Speaking earlier in the day, Mr Streeting told BBC Breakfast: ‘I’m particularly sympathetic to the arguments that are being made about the need for screening for those men who are more susceptible to the risk of this type of cancer.’
LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari told Mr Streeting he has been given the all-clear after having a test two weeks ago and asked his opinion of the Mail’s campaign.
He replied: ‘This is a really important campaign.
‘Awareness is really important, and making sure that people do go and get checked is important – if there are any worrying signs or symptoms – that people go and get checked and don’t feel awkward about talking about it.
‘There shouldn’t be a taboo around this any more than there should be a taboo around issues like breast cancer or anything else, frankly.’
Leading prostate cancer charities last night welcomed Mr Streeting’s support and urged the screening committee to follow suit.
Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: ‘It’s great to hear Wes Streeting express his support for a prostate cancer screening programme, and acknowledging that some men have a higher risk of getting the disease than others.
LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari (pictured) told Mr Streeting he has been given the all-clear after having a test two weeks ago
David James, director of patient projects and influencing at Prostate Cancer Research
‘We are a data and evidence-based charity.
‘We know that diagnosing prostate cancer is safer and more accurate than ever before, and that targeted screening of the most at-risk men will save thousands of men’s lives a year.
‘We submitted our evidence backing this up to the National Screening Committee over two years ago – it’s about time we got a decision.’
David James, director of patient projects and influencing at Prostate Cancer Research, said: ‘We enthusiastically welcome Wes Streeting’s personal support for introducing a national screening programme for men at highest risk of prostate cancer.
‘The evidence shows that targeted screening will save lives, deliver an economic boost to the country, ease long-term pressure on the NHS, and tackle unacceptable health inequalities.
‘The public is behind it, and healthcare professionals support it. We urge the National Screening Committee to formally recommend this change.’
Formula One boss Eddie Jordan, Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman and BBC News presenter Bill Turnbull are among those who have died from prostate cancer in recent years.
Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, comedian Sir Stephen Fry and chef Ken Hom have spoken about their diagnosis to raise awareness of the disease.
