Prostate cancer has officially become the most common cancer in the UK, surpassing breast cancer for the first time. According to new analysis from Prostate Cancer UK, approximately 64,425 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, compared to 61,640 men diagnosed with breast cancer. The figures represent a significant increase of 24 percent from the previous year, when 51,823 men received a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The change in status was first noted in England last January, but recent data from Scotland and additional information from Wales and Northern Ireland have confirmed this trend across the UK. Prostate Cancer UK attributes the 42 percent rise in diagnoses over the past decade to heightened awareness driven by charities, healthcare organizations, and notable public figures.
The charity is advocating for the adoption of wider screening practices, particularly the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. In December, the UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) recommended that routine prostate cancer screenings should not be available to the majority of men, suggesting that the PSA test “is likely to cause more harm than good.” The committee’s only recommendation was for men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, who are at greater risk, to be screened every two years between the ages of 45 and 61.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed surprise at the UKNSC’s recommendation and is currently reviewing the findings. This sentiment is echoed by several high-profile individuals, including Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy and former Prime Minister David Cameron, both of whom have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They are vocal proponents for an increased focus on early screening to facilitate timely diagnoses.
Prostate Cancer UK has launched a major clinical trial expected to conclude within two years, assessing whether combining the PSA test with rapid MRI scans could support a recommendation for population-wide screening.
Chiara De Biase, Director of Health Services, Equity, and Improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, commented on the latest figures, stating, “While we are proud to have contributed to the growing awareness of prostate cancer, it is unacceptable that men must shoulder the burden of understanding their risks and initiating conversations with their GPs about PSA testing.” She emphasized the need for an early detection program to address significant regional disparities in diagnosis and treatment.
Disparities in diagnosis are evident, with men in areas of higher deprivation being 29 percent more likely to receive a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer compared to those in more affluent regions. Additionally, men in Scotland tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, with 31 percent of cases identified as advanced, compared to 21 percent in England.
Sir Chris Hoy highlighted the urgency of early detection, stating, “Prostate cancer is curable if found early. That’s why it’s vital we get the message out to men to think about their risk and to talk to their GP about a simple blood test to check.” He advocates for GPs to actively discuss PSA testing with men who are at increased risk, including those with a family history or those from specific ethnic backgrounds.
Despite some skepticism regarding the reliability of the PSA test—given that high PSA levels do not always indicate cancer, and some cancer patients may have normal PSA results—there is a growing call for broader testing protocols. Prostate Cancer Research supports expanded screening, while Cancer Research UK aligns with the UKNSC’s current recommendations.
As awareness grows and the number of diagnoses increases, the conversation around prostate cancer and the necessity for improved screening measures continues to evolve. The current focus remains on ensuring that all men have access to the information and resources necessary to understand their risks and receive timely care.
