A cancer charity, Prostate Cancer Research, argues that screening men at high risk for prostate cancer from the age of 45 could make financial sense, preventing more deaths and improving overall health outcomes. However, the charity also acknowledges that more accurate tests are needed before widespread screening can be recommended. Currently, there is no nationwide prostate cancer screening in the UK, unlike other cancer types. Although the PSA blood test can be requested by men over 50, it is not definitive, as high PSA levels can be caused by factors other than cancer.
The debate centers on the trade-off between detecting aggressive cancers early and the harms of over-diagnosing slow-growing cancers that may never affect a man’s health. While some studies show that screening saves lives, others indicate only marginal benefits or no benefits at all. Prostate Cancer Research suggests screening high-risk groups, such as black men and those with a family history, would be beneficial, financially and socially. The decision about screening, however, remains complex, balancing the benefits of early detection with the risks of over-treatment.
Given the potential harms and benefits, should prostate cancer screening be more widely implemented, and at what age should men start testing?