Prostate Cancer Advocate Admits He Has the Disease After Opposing Screening Expansion

The top part of the prostatecancera testing initiative that claimed screening should not be routinely offered to most men has uncovered, for...

The top part of the prostatecancera testing initiative that claimed screening should not be routinely offered to most men has uncovered, for the first time, that he himself has the condition.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, chair of the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC), mentioned that his prostate cancer was detected through a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test "after he experienced symptoms" and that he underwent removal of his prostate.

However, following a review, the UKNSC—which provides guidance to the government—stated that it would not advise screening for every man, as it could potentially 'cause more harm than benefit'.

Campaigners including Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Stephen Fry and former Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Lord David Cameronhave expressed disapproval of the choice, arguing that the test ought to be included in a nationwide screening initiative.

Professor Richards, who previously served as the national cancer director, mentioned in a meeting that analysis of PSA indicates that 'population-wide screening could result in a minor decrease in prostate cancer fatalities, but the extremely high rates of overdiagnosis' make the risks greater than the advantages.

Numerous professionals claim the PSA test is not highly dependable, as individuals with elevated PSA levels might not suffer from cancer, while some patients with cancer may show typical PSA readings.

Professor Richards was questioned today about the challenge of dealing with criticism from two ex-Prime Ministers, including Lord Cameron, who recently disclosed that he too has had cancer.

"I can say, and I haven't mentioned this publicly before, that I have personally had prostate cancer, so I understand it from a personal perspective as well as by examining the evidence," he said to the BBC.

I can align with Lord Cameron in that group, so it's not that I am opposed to having a screening program – naturally, I would prefer to have a screening program for this condition – but I think this is the appropriate path for now.

Of course, men can request a PSA test – it is accessible to them. I experienced symptoms and underwent a PSA test, which led to my diagnosis, and I have since had my prostate removed.

He also mentioned to Radio 4's Today show that he "met Rishi Sunak and had an extended discussion with him. We have different views on the data interpretation - that's acceptable - and that's why we are seeking input on this matter, and I would appreciate his feedback on the consultation."

Professor Richards restated the review's conclusions that a greater number of individuals could be harmed by any screening program than benefited if they underwent unnecessary treatment.

He calculated that for every 700 individuals whose lives were saved, 7000 would suffer from long-term complications.

Although he acknowledged that black men, as a group, are more prone to prostate cancer, he stated that insufficient research has been conducted because "so few of them have participated in trials until now," and that is what "we are aiming to fix and fix quickly."

A new study named "the Transform Trial" has recently begun, aiming to enroll as many Black men as possible, he stated, with results expected to provide answers within the next two years.

"If we obtain the information we require, I would definitely support revising the suggestion," he said to the BBC.

The present committee suggestion is that men who have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations—increasing their likelihood of developing prostate cancer—should undergo screening every two years, from the age of 45 to 61.

Experts are also eager to observe results from a major study initiated by Prostate Cancer UK this week, which examines if using PSA alongside other tests, like quick MRI scans, might result in a suggestion for widespread screening.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting mentioned he would review the results, noting his desire for earlier detection and faster treatment, while emphasizing the need to weigh these benefits against 'the potential negative impacts that broader screening might have on men'.

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• Is it now appropriate for the NHS to broaden its life-preserving tests to include prostate cancer, given the rising number of cases and men being kept in ignorance?
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