Prostate Cancer Screening

Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen Excerpts

Tuesday 2nd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for courageously continuing to pick up this very important issue. The term “family history” is not well defined in current evidence. Work is under way to define what degree of family history of cancer would carry a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer, and the UK National Screening Committee will build this into its modelling. In the meantime, officials are working with Cancer Research UK and the UK Cancer Genetics Group to see if interim guidance can be developed with experts to support GPs in making clinical judgments when asked about PSA testing by men with a family history.

[Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen (Non-Afl)]

I completely understand Cancer Research UK’s point about overdiagnosis leading to invasive treatment, with devastating effects, along with unnecessary anxiety and stress. There are inequalities in treatment, and more needs to be done to ensure that every man who is diagnosed receives the best treatment options possible. Does the Minister feel it would help to have a public awareness campaign—I know there have been some, but perhaps more—on how to notice the symptoms that people may have, particularly those in the Afro-Caribbean community, who are quite often let down as far as prostate cancer is concerned?