A significant decision by the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) is set to deny routine prostate cancer screening for the majority of at-risk men. Following a three-year review, the committee is expected to advise against offering the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to wider groups, including Black men and those with a family history of the disease, who are known to be at higher risk. The recommendation will, however, suggest that a small number of men with the BRCA gene mutation should be invited for PSA tests. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the UK, with approximately 63,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths annually. Unlike other cancers, there is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer, as the PSA test has been deemed insufficiently accurate for widespread use. Concerns have been raised about the potential for over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatments, which can lead to severe side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who has a terminal diagnosis, is among those advocating for routine PSA testing for men with known risk factors. Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently revealed his own prostate cancer diagnosis, has also called for a targeted screening programme. More than 120 MPs, including current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have urged Health Secretary Wes Streeting to implement such a programme. The PSA test measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate, which can indicate the presence of cancer. Research indicates that mass screening could reduce prostate cancer deaths by 13%, similar to the impact of existing screening programmes for breast and bowel cancer. Despite this, the UKNSC has expressed concerns that the risks associated with the PSA test outweigh the benefits for the general male population. The committee's draft guidance will undergo a 12-week public consultation before final recommendations are made in March. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has stated he will carefully consider the committee's conclusions and has expressed a desire to see screening in place for prostate cancer, provided it is supported by evidence. He has also indicated the possibility of convening a group of experts to discuss the issue further. Prostate cancer charities have expressed disappointment at the committee's decision, arguing that it fails to address the needs of high-risk groups. Laura Kerby, CEO of Prostate Cancer UK, stated, "We’re deeply disappointed. People are sick and tired of seeing the men they love harmed by this disease, and we won’t rest until no man’s diagnosis is left to chance." The UKNSC's decision has sparked calls for a reconsideration of screening for all high-risk men, as many believe that timely detection could save thousands of lives. The ongoing Transform trial, which aims to explore the best methods for prostate screening, may provide further evidence to support future recommendations. As the debate continues, men are still encouraged to consult their GPs about the PSA test, especially if they have risk factors such as age, family history, or ethnicity.