The United Kingdom’s National Screening Committee (NSC) has ignited a fierce debate after recommending against mass prostate cancer screening for men, a decision that has left patients, celebrities, and advocacy groups divided. On November 28, 2025, the NSC, a panel comprising doctors and economists, advised the government that a universal screening programme for prostate cancer is "likely to cause more harm than good," according to Sky News and BBC. Instead, the committee proposed a much narrower approach: biennial screening for men aged 45 to 61 who carry specific genetic mutations—BRCA-1 and BRCA-2—known to increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancers.
The reaction from prominent figures affected by prostate cancer was swift and emotional. Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic gold medalist diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in February 2024, voiced his frustration: "I am extremely disappointed and saddened by the recommendation announced by the National Screening Committee today to rule against national screening for men at high risk of prostate cancer." He emphasized the scale of the problem, noting, "More than 12,000 men are dying of prostate cancer every year; it is now the UK's most common cancer in men, with black men at double the risk, along with men with a family history, like myself." Hoy insisted that while the move to screen men with BRCA mutations is a small step forward, it falls short. "Early screening and diagnosis saves lives. I am determined to continue to use my platform to raise awareness, encourage open discussion, raise vital funds for further research and support, and to campaign for change," he added, as reported by Sky News and BBC.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron, now Lord Cameron, who revealed his own prostate cancer experience earlier this year, echoed these sentiments. In a post on X, he wrote, "I am disappointed by today's recommendation on prostate cancer screening from the National Committee. Targeted screening is a natural first step—but the recommendation today is far too targeted, not including black men or men with a family history, both high-risk groups." Cameron warned, "We are letting down too many men if we don't push for a wider screening programme that includes all high-risk groups—and not just the men involved, but their families too, who risk losing a loved one unnecessarily. As I know all too well, prostate cancer can be symptomless early on. That's why screening is so essential—catching the cancers early when they can be more effectively and successfully treated, like in my own case."
Other well-known figures joined the chorus of disappointment. Sir Tony Robinson, beloved for his role as Baldrick in Blackadder, said, "I'm bitterly disappointed. Getting an early diagnosis for prostate cancer could save your life, but we still have no screening programme for it in the UK. I was lucky I found my cancer early, but nearly 10,000 men a year are diagnosed too late for a cure, and that's just not right." Broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan added, "With prostate cancer cases higher than they've ever been, and the disease dominating the national conversation, I really thought we were heading to an exciting moment here. I'm so disappointed that the committee has decided not to recommend screening—it felt about time progress was made for men." Murnaghan suggested, "An acceptable halfway house, would perhaps be to extend screening to black men—and those with a known history of cancer in their family. But clearly a full nationwide screening programme would be best."
Sir Stephen Fry, a prominent ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research who underwent surgery after his own diagnosis in 2018, stated, "I'm deeply disappointed by today's news. Men in the UK deserve so much better. Prostate cancer remains the second biggest cancer killer of men in this country, with more than 12,000 dying every year. The only way we will make a dent in that appalling statistic is by catching prostate cancer early, before symptoms appear—and the best way to do that is through a screening programme. I hope the country sees sense."
Yet, the NSC stood firm in its position, arguing that the potential harms of widespread screening outweigh the benefits. According to BBC, the committee cited the risk of overdiagnosis—detecting indolent cancers that would never threaten a man's life—and the subsequent overtreatment that can lead to life-altering side effects, such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Professor Sir Mike Richards, former national cancer director and NSC chairman, explained, "Whole population screening may lead to a small reduction in prostate cancer deaths, but the very high levels of overdiagnoses means the harms outweigh the benefits." BBC data, based on Cancer Research UK analysis, suggests that among 1,000 men aged 50 to 60 screened with the PSA test, 28 would be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but only two lives would be saved. Meanwhile, 20 would be overdiagnosed with slow-growing tumors, and 12 would likely undergo unnecessary treatments with significant side effects.
The NSC’s recommendation also excludes black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, despite both being high-risk groups. The committee justified this by pointing to a lack of sufficient clinical trial data for these populations. Colin McFarlane, an actor diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023, called the decision a "massive mistake" and stressed, "Black men over the age of 45 are at high risk, and should be invited for screening. I personally think men over 50 should be invited for screening, because they're also at risk. I'm concerned now for all the black men out there who are high risk."
The decision has not gone unchallenged by advocacy groups. Laura Kerby, CEO of Prostate Cancer UK, said she was "deeply disappointed" and described the move as a blow to tens of thousands of men. Prostate Cancer Research labeled it a "serious error that ignores modern evidence" and a missed opportunity for black men and those with a family history. However, Cancer Research UK supported the NSC’s conclusion, calling it "good news" that screening would be considered for men with faulty BRCA genes, but agreeing that broader screening could cause more harm than good.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting responded with caution, stating he would "consider the findings ahead of March's final decision," and emphasizing the importance of balancing earlier diagnosis and quicker treatment with the potential harms of wider screening. Streeting also highlighted ongoing progress: "In the last 12 months, 193,000 more patients received a diagnosis for suspected cancer on time. We are also providing funding to the £42m TRANSFORM trial, which has the potential to revolutionise prostate cancer screening, cutting out harmful side effects and making screening far more accurate." The TRANSFORM trial, launched by Prostate Cancer UK, is investigating whether combining PSA blood tests with rapid MRI scans and genetic tests could enable safer, more effective population-wide screening. Results are expected within two years, offering hope that future recommendations may shift as new evidence emerges.
For now, the NSC’s advice marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s approach to prostate cancer—a decision balancing science, patient stories, and the ever-present tension between benefit and harm. As the final verdict looms in March 2026, the debate is far from over, and the country watches closely, hoping for a solution that saves lives without causing undue suffering.
