I am disappointed by today’s recommendation on prostate cancer screening from the National Committee.
Targeted screening is a natural first step - but the recommendation today is far too targeted, not including black men or men with a family history, both high-risk groups.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among British men. We are letting down too many men if we don’t push for a wider screening programme that includes all high-risk groups - and not just the men involved, but their families too, who risk losing a loved one unnecessarily.
As I know all too well, prostate cancer can be symptomless early on. That’s why screening is so essential - catching the cancers early when they can be more effectively and successfully treated, like in my own case.
I urge
@wesstreeting and the government to be brave and bold on this crucial issue. Make the first step more significant than what’s being recommended. Put in place a proper, targeted screening programme that involves all those at higher-risk. Without it, more men will die, more families will lose a loved one. This is avoidable and can be done.