Whilst there was widespread disappointment that the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) did not announce a National programme for prostate cancer, they did announce a draft recommendation for a targeted screening programme and launched a public consultation.

If implemented, men aged 45 to 61 with a mutation in genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2 will be invited for prostate cancer screening every two years. Overall, the analysis found this would likely result in the best balance of harms and benefits compared to screening all men, men with a family history, or just screening Black men.

Importantly, the evidence suggests this approach is more likely to identify people who have a fast-growing cancer before it has progressed to a late stage. These cancers need prompt treatment and finding them at an earlier stage increases the chances that treatment will be successful, which could help save more lives.

This draft recommendation is just the first step in a longer process and the current proposal is not final.

If eventually approved, the health systems will have to work to understand how men with BRCA1/2 mutations will be identified and invited to ensure they’re able to access the programme.

Whether or not you’re in the target group, it’s important to remember that screening is only one way to diagnose prostate cancer. If you’re worried about your your prostate health, talk to your doctor.