The National Health Service (NHS) has declined to implement a mass prostate cancer screening programme, following a review by the UK National Screening Committee (NSC) that weighed the benefits and potential harms of such an initiative. The committee determined that the risks linked to widespread screening—including impacts on men’s sexual health and bladder function—outweigh the anticipated advantages.

Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 63,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The NSC’s assessment found that routine screening of 1,000 men in their 50s could result in saving two lives over a 15-year period. However, it also emphasized that in many cases, prostate cancer develops so slowly that it may never become life-threatening.

Based on the findings, the committee recommended limiting testing to men considered at higher risk, specifically those with mutations in the BRCA2 gene or a family history of prostate or certain other cancers. The review did not find sufficient evidence to support routine screening for men with a family history of any cancer, despite this group being 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer, nor for Black men, who are statistically at double the risk of the disease.

The decision has drawn criticism from prostate cancer advocacy groups. Oliver Kemp, representing Prostate Cancer Research, described the rejection as “condemning thousands to preventable deaths.” Similarly, Chiara De Biase of Prostate Cancer UK expressed deep disappointment with the committee’s stance.

Health Secretary James Murray is set to meet with the NSC later this week to discuss the recommendations and may choose to adhere to or overturn the panel’s guidance. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether any changes are made to the NHS approach for prostate cancer testing moving forward.