New Prostate Cancer Screening Guidance: What Men Should Know

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has opened a public consultation on updated prostate cancer screening recommendations, reflecting new evidence and modelling studies. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, causing about 12,000 deaths annually, primarily in men over 75. Screening decisions must balance benefits against harms, including false positives, overtreatment, and treatment-related side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

The 2025 SCHARR modelling study evaluated population and targeted screening strategies using PSA testing followed by MRI or biopsy if needed. Based on current evidence, the UK NSC’s draft recommendation is to offer targeted biennial screening for men aged 45–61 with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants, but not for the general population, black men, or men with a family history. The committee will continue to collaborate with the TRANSFORM trial to assess improved tests and screening effectiveness in high-risk groups.

Men are encouraged to provide feedback during the 12-week consultation ending February 20, 2026. This approach emphasizes evidence-based, personalized screening strategies to maximize benefits and minimize harm. The initiative highlights the importance of ongoing research, especially for men at elevated genetic or family risk, ensuring prostate cancer detection is safe, accurate, and aligned with men’s health needs.

Harris, M. (2025, November 28). UK NSC opens consultation on draft prostate cancer screening recommendation. UK National Screening Committee Blog. https://nationalscreening.blog.gov.uk/2025/11/28/uk-nsc-opens-consultation-on-draft-prostate-cancer-screening-recommendation/