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Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, is advocating for a targeted screening program for prostate cancer. In an interview with the BBC, he emphasized the importance of implementing a program that would be cost-effective, feasible, and could potentially save numerous lives. This push comes as the UK National Screening Committee reviews its decision from five years ago not to recommend routine screening, with media reports hinting at a potential continuation of the current policy.
Renowned Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy, who is battling advanced prostate cancer, is urging for younger men to undergo screenings. He is advocating for a reduction in the age threshold for men to request a PSA blood test, as the current protocol does not routinely offer this test to asymptomatic men under 50. However, the PSA test is surrounded by controversy due to the possibility of false positives, leading to unnecessary treatments and side effects caused by rising levels from factors other than cancer like infections.
Sunak is actively involved as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research, an organization preparing to release a report on the advantages and costs associated with a targeted screening program. The proposed program would be tailored towards men aged 45-69 with a family history of prostate cancer and black men, who are at a higher risk. The charity estimates that this program, which would cost about £25 million annually, could provide substantial benefits, with only a minor rise in NHS staffing needed to accommodate the 20% eligible men invited annually with an estimated 72% acceptance rate for diagnostic procedures such as scans and biopsies.
Furthermore, Sunak resonated the importance of catching prostate cancer early, emphasizing the necessity for a proactive screening program to help save lives. Although there are concerns voiced by some medical experts regarding the value of screening, with potential unnecessary treatments leading to harmful side effects, the ongoing debate revolves around the balance between benefits and risks. The decision by the National Screening Committee will be influenced by various factors, including patient perspectives like David Bateman, who underscored the significance of early screening to prevent the advancement of the disease
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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