“We know that coming forward for prostate checks can be daunting, but it could save your life. We encourage men to consult the prostate cancer symptoms advice available on NHS.uk and to see their GP if they are concerned.” – Professor Peter Johnson
Prostate cancer has now overtaken breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, according to new analysis. The alarming rise in cases has prompted renewed calls for a national screening programme to improve early detection and save lives.
According to the Independent Newspaper, NHS data shows that 55,033 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England in 2023, surpassing the 47,526 cases of breast cancer recorded the same year. The figures, released by Prostate Cancer UK, indicate that diagnoses of the disease have surged by 25% between 2019 and 2023, overtaking breast cancer for the second consecutive year.
Breakthrough in Prostate Cancer Testing
A new approach to prostate cancer testing, using existing ultrasound technology, has demonstrated a 94% sensitivity rate in tumour detection while delivering results in under 20 minutes. The technique is also more cost-effective, at just 10% of the cost of an MRI scan.
The research team behind the innovation states that this breakthrough could significantly improve prostate biopsies and focal therapy, which directly targets and destroys cancer cells. Currently, up to 28% of clinically significant tumours are missed, and one in two patients with positive MRI results receive negative biopsy findings.
Less Grey Imaging Ltd, a spin-out from Heriot-Watt University, claims that its new ultrasound-based technology offers a 20-fold increase in resolution compared to MRIs, which often produce low-contrast, difficult-to-read images. Experts believe this could revolutionise early detection and treatment.
Public awareness of prostate cancer has increased in recent years, thanks in part to high-profile figures sharing their battles with the disease. Celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Nick Owen, and Chris Hoy have helped bring attention to the importance of early detection. Outlined by Independent.
Chiara De Biase, Director of Health Services, Equity and Improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, acknowledged the growing awareness and the role of public figures in driving conversations about the disease.
“These new figures show that awareness is now growing across the UK, and we’re proud to have played our part in this alongside our supporters and the NHS. More men than ever are learning about their risk, speaking to their GP about the PSA blood test, and then taking the best next steps.”
Despite the increased awareness, the lack of a national screening programme remains a significant concern.
Currently, the NHS does not offer routine PSA blood tests for prostate cancer, only recommending them if a doctor identifies symptoms. However, anyone over 50 can request a PSA test. The NHS’s UK National Screening Committee is now reviewing evidence for a prostate cancer screening programme.
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Chiara De Biase emphasised the urgent need for change:
“At the moment, there’s no screening programme for prostate cancer, and not every man has a fair shot at getting diagnosed earlier. We face a dreadful North-South divide in the UK, where you’re more likely to receive an incurable diagnosis in some areas than others. Plus, men in more deprived regions are less likely to receive the treatments they need.”
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, defended the NHS’s efforts, highlighting the progress made in early detection:
“Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and our effective awareness campaigns, we are diagnosing more men with prostate cancer at an earlier stage than ever before, giving them the best possible chance of receiving effective treatment.”
He urged men to take their health seriously, adding:
“We know that coming forward for prostate checks can be daunting, but it could save your life. We encourage men to consult the prostate cancer symptoms advice available on NHS.uk and to see their GP if they are concerned.”
Survivors Speak Out
The importance of early detection was underscored by Ian Phillipson, 66, from Burghill, Herefordshire, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2024 after being inspired to get tested by TV presenter Nick Owen’s public battle with the disease.
“It sounds a bit melodramatic to say Nick Owen saved my life, but who knows if and when I would have found out I had prostate cancer if I hadn’t caught him on TV that evening?” Phillipson said.
“I had a couple of PSA blood tests, and the second one in November 2023 indicated a high reading. After an MRI and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I couldn’t believe it—I hadn’t felt ill or had any reason to suspect I had cancer. If I hadn’t been watching TV that day, I might not have got tested at all.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating:
“This is a grim milestone, and while more men are getting checked, they are waiting too long for diagnosis and treatment. Through our Plan for Change, we are working to catch cancer earlier and treat it faster—opening community diagnostic centres for longer, launching 17 new surgical hubs across the country, and investing in research.”
As prostate cancer cases continue to rise, pressure is mounting on the UK government and NHS to implement a national screening programme. Experts argue that early detection is crucial to improving survival rates and ensuring that men across all regions and socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to timely diagnosis and treatment.
With breakthrough ultrasound technology offering a faster, cheaper, and more accurate detection method, the case for nationwide screening is stronger than ever. Whether policymakers will act on the growing calls remains to be seen.
