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The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) has launched a 12-week public consultation on its draft recommendations regarding prostate cancer screening, following updated modelling studies commissioned to assess potential screening strategies.
Developed by the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), the new 2025 modelling examined population screening alongside targeted approaches for high-risk groups, including:
- Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic variants
- Black men
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer
After reviewing the findings, the NSC’s draft position proposes:
- A targeted national screening programme for men with confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations every two years, between ages 45 and 61
- No population-wide prostate cancer screening
- No targeted screening solely based on ethnicity or family history
The Committee has stated it will continue collaborating with the Transform screening research trial to further evaluate screening effectiveness for Black men and those with familial risk. Future trial outcomes aim to guide improved testing methods beyond the current PSA blood test, which has limitations in balancing benefits and potential harms.
Historically, the NSC has not recommended widespread prostate screening due to several concerns:
- High rates of false positives and false negatives from PSA testing
- Difficulty distinguishing slow-growing, low-risk cancers from aggressive forms requiring treatment
- Risks of over-treatment
- Significant long-term side effects including urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction
The committee now seeks public input to refine the modelling data and evidence review. Feedback submitted through the consultation process will be assessed prior to the NSC’s March 26, 2026 decision meeting, where final recommendations are expected to be determined.
Consultation responses may also trigger updated data analysis should gaps or new evidence emerge.
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