This week, Dr Neil Hudson MP for Epping Forest, marked the launch of a groundbreaking new report by Prostate Cancer Research in Parliament, demonstrating that the introduction of a targeted national prostate cancer screening programme would be practical, affordable, and save thousands of lives.
Dr Hudson joined clinicians, prostate cancer patients, and industry representatives at the Prostate Cancer Research event, sponsored by several MPs including the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, former Prime Minister and Prostate Cancer Research Ambassador. The former Prime Minister delivered one of several speeches, alongside Darren Abramson, who spoke of his personal experience of late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis, and David James, Director of Patient Projects and Influencing at Prostate Cancer Research.
The report, ‘Prostate Cancer Screening: The Impact on the NHS’, challenges the argument that the NHS cannot cope with the demand of a national screening programme, demonstrating that the benefits of introducing targeted screening for those at highest risk outweigh the financial and logistical costs.
The report's key findings include that:
- · An annual investment of £25 million to deliver targeted screening would translate to an estimated 1,254 years of life saved for the target groups each year. This equates to approximately £20,000 for every extra year of life saved.
- · The estimated cost per eligible individual is just £18, aligning with, or below, existing national cancer screening programmes like breast and bowel cancer. The introduction of reflex testing in the future could further reduce annual costs by ~33% to ~£17m, while improving accuracy and reducing unnecessary investigations.
- · The targeted screening programme would generate an approximately 23% increase in current diagnostic activity (PSA blood tests, MRI scans, and biopsies). This demand would be manageable with a relatively small percentage increase in NHS workforce numbers, ranging from 0.01% (nurses) up to 0.4% (pathologists).
- · Previously there had been concerns that it would be impossible to find men in these high-risk groups. The report shows that identifying Black men within a specific age range is relatively straightforward, as ethnicity and age are now routinely captured in most primary care records. Identifying individuals with a family history is also possible.
Prostate Cancer Research is calling on the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) to fully consider this significant new evidence as they conduct their review of prostate cancer screening, ahead of a decision expected before the end of the year.
Dr Hudson has long passionately championed improved diagnostics, treatment and research for prostate cancer, joining the vigorous campaigning of both Prostate Cancer Research and Prostate Cancer UK in events they have hosted in Parliament previously.
Dr Hudson’s passion for this has also led to vociferous campaigning for improved healthcare outcomes for constituents at risk of or experiencing cancers of all kinds. His efforts were fundamental in guaranteeing a new Community Diagnostic Centre at St Margaret’s in Epping, initially began by the previous Conservative Government but that was potentially at risk following the Labour Government’s review of NHS projects. This will be crucial in securing earlier diagnosis for cancers of all kinds when it opens in January 2026.
Likewise, Dr Hudson has acted for better treatment for those living with cancer, writing to the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board, responsible for NHS healthcare in Epping Forest, to ask what steps they are taking to improve access to radiotherapy for those who need it.
Following the event, Dr Neil Hudson MP commented:
“It was so powerful to see so many politicians, clinicians, industry experts and people affected by prostate cancer coming together for this important cause.”
“I pay tribute to Prostate Cancer Research for their vital work in shining a light on the inequalities that exist for too many when it comes to diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, as well as all those who united this week in Parliament in their commitment to addressing it.”
“Vital change in diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer cannot be delayed, and I urge the Government to take stock of Prostate Cancer Research’s new report and address its recommendations. Doing so will save lives.”
Oliver Kemp MBE, Chief Executive, Prostate Cancer Research, said:
“Our report proves without doubt that a targeted screening programme can and should be implemented now. The current system, which relies on men to come forward, is failing thousands of families every single year. For an investment of just £18 per eligible person - a cost entirely comparable with breast and bowel cancer screening - we can give men at the highest risk a fighting chance of early diagnosis, when their cancer would be easiest to treat. The demands on our NHS are manageable when compared to the enormous, life-saving benefits. The evidence is clear; every year we delay costs more lives and tears more families apart.”
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, said:
“This powerful report makes a compelling case for a targeted screening programme for prostate cancer. We must act now. Delay will cost lives.”
Photo: Dr Neil Hudson MP
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
· “Prostate Cancer Screening: The Impact on the NHS”, was commissioned by Prostate Cancer Research and launched at a parliamentary event in the House of Commons on Tuesday, October 14.
· The modelled programme targets Black men aged 45-69 and men aged 45-69 with a family history of prostate cancer, representing approximately 1.3 million men in the UK.
· The report focuses on how a targeted programme would reduce inequalities and save lives while demonstrating its affordability (~£25m annually) and deliverability, with advancing technology set to further reduce costs and improve accuracy.
Dr Hudson’s previous attendance of events relating to prostate cancer:
https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-backs-new-proposals-boost-prostate-cancer-screening-and-save-lives
https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-supports-fight-against-prostate-cancer
Prostate Cancer Research contacts:
Media contact: Jess Farmery, [email protected]
Prostate Cancer Research contact: David James, [email protected]
