Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has publicly thrown his support behind the Daily Mail’s campaign for a nationwide prostate cancer screening.
His decision comes after witnessing the toll the disease has taken on his friends.
The support also follows a growing call for more targeted testing on the NHS, particularly for those at higher risk, as prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men.
Prostate Cancer: A Disease That Affects Thousands
Prostate cancer impacts around 55,000 men each year in the UK.
For Sunak, a pivotal factor in his endorsement is the potential of a new British-made test, which boasts over 90% accuracy.
He believes this test could save thousands of lives if made widely available through a targeted nationwide screening programme.
Speaking about the issue, Sunak praised the Mail’s longstanding advocacy, which drew his attention to this often overlooked disease, particularly among black men and those with a family history of cancer.
Sunak Becomes Ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research
In addition to supporting the campaign, Sunak announced that he would serve as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer Research (PCR), marking his first public cause since stepping down from his role as Prime Minister in July.
He expressed admiration for the research being conducted by PCR and other charities, emphasizing how early detection could not only save lives but also offer significant cost savings to the NHS.
“The country would benefit greatly,” Sunak added, underscoring the importance of such a screening programme.
The Importance of Early Detection
Prostate cancer often remains asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection critical to preventing its spread.
Although some men experience urinary problems, many have no symptoms at all, which can delay diagnosis until the disease has progressed.
The most recent push for a nationwide screening programme in 2020 was dismissed after experts raised concerns over the effectiveness of the available tests.
However, a new blood test, EpiSwitch PSE, developed by Oxford BioDynamics, has shown remarkable accuracy.
It’s 94% effective in identifying prostate cancer, which is far superior to the standard test, which is accurate only about half the time.
A targeted testing programme would focus on men aged 45 and over, particularly black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, inviting them to submit blood samples for analysis.
A Step Toward Prevention
Iain Ross, executive chairman of Oxford BioDynamics, noted that the support from Sunak and PCR is crucial in raising awareness about the importance of accurate, early detection through next-generation blood tests like EpiSwitch PSE.
Under Sunak’s leadership, the government previously announced a £42 million screening trial aimed at detecting prostate cancer earlier.
However, many now hope that a comprehensive national screening programme would offer the best chance of preventing avoidable deaths.
Pressure on UK National Screening Committee
There is mounting pressure on the UK National Screening Committee (NSC) to revisit its current stance on testing, especially following the announcement last year that Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.
The 48-year-old Hoy, who has won six Olympic gold medals, shared that he had been given only two to four years to live.
His decision to go public with his diagnosis helped a friend catch his prostate cancer early, highlighting the importance of raising awareness.
Sunak Shares Personal Experience with Prostate Cancer Testing
Sunak, deeply impacted by the number of friends affected by the disease, took matters into his own hands and got tested himself. “You go and get a simple blood test.
Knowledge is power,” he said, explaining that he wanted reassurance about his own health.
His visit to Oxford BioDynamics also included meeting men who had been affected by prostate cancer.
Personal Stories Highlight the Need for Screening
Among the men Sunak met during his visit was Alfred Samuels, 66, who was given just months to live after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011.
Samuels, who worked as a close protection officer for high-profile clients, expressed how valuable a technology-backed national screening rollout would be.
“It will give men much more hope and direction,” he said.
Another powerful story comes from Brian Milne, 72, a retired financier from Hertfordshire, who found out he had prostate cancer eight years ago, despite not showing any classic symptoms.
Milne’s father had died from prostate cancer 21 years earlier, and Milne had been reassured by his father’s oncologist that he didn’t need to worry if he wasn’t showing symptoms.
However, after visiting a walk-in clinic with what he thought was a urinary infection, Milne learned that he had advanced-stage prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.
The Importance of Early Testing
Milne, now a grandfather, believes that if he had been tested when his father passed away, his cancer could have been caught early.
“If it was recommended, I would have taken the test,” he said.
Reflecting on his situation, Milne said he would have expected to live a long life if early detection had been part of the national health programme.
Although he was devastated by his diagnosis, Milne is optimistic about the advances in accurate blood testing.
He sees these developments as “an incredible step forward” and is sharing his experience to help raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
Rishi Sunak’s Call to Action for Prostate Cancer Awareness
As Sunak continues to advocate for prostate cancer awareness and the benefits of early detection, his efforts to help improve screening methods aim to change the future for many men.
His commitment to the cause, driven by both personal experiences and his role as a public figure, underscores the urgent need for better testing methods to save lives and prevent unnecessary suffering.