Nisha Pandey

UK Set To Implement Stricter Protocol For Prostate Cancer Testing; Who Is Eligible To Get Tested?

UK Plans To Restrict Prostate Cancer Testing for Some Men; What You Need To Know?

Men in the UK could face limited access to <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/prostate-cancer">prostate cancer</a> testing</span> under updated guidance that gives GPs authority to decide if some men without symptoms should receive a <span>PSA</span> blood test. 

The development comes after the <span>UK Government</span> rejected calls for routine <span>prostate cancer</span> screening for all men. It instead backed a targeted approach in which those at highest genetic risk would be considered first. 

<h2>Why Is The <span rel="noindex">UK Changing Prostate Cancer Testing Guidance</span>? </h2>

Under existing <span>NHS</span> guidance, men aged 50 and over can request a <span>PSA test</span> after discussing the benefits and limitations with their GP.

The new guidance states that the decision to authorise PSA testing ultimately rests with the doctor. Recent reports suggested that the policy has sparked criticism from cancer charities and campaigners.

Regardless, a PSA test can find <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/8-foods-that-may-help-reduce-the-risk-of-erectile-dysfunction-article-151344070" data-type="tilCustomLink">prostate cancer</a>, but it cannot reliably tell doctors which cancers are dangerous and which may be manageable with treatment.

The <span>UK National Screening Committee</span> (UK <span>NSC</span>) concluded in May that routine screening of the whole male population could do more harm than good.

It said that for every 1,000 men aged 50 to 60 screened using PSA, up to two lives could be saved, but as many as 20 men could experience overdiagnosis.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/prostate-cancer-nhs-englands-new-precision-radiotherapy-offers-hope-in-just-5-sessions-article-155186795" data-type="tilCustomLink">Prostate Cancer: NHS England's New Precision Radiotherapy Offers Hope In Just 5 Sessions</a> 

<h2>Who Will Be Eligible For Regular Screening?</h2>

The UK NSC has recommended targeted screening every two years for a much smaller group who are more likely to get prostate <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/how-to-detect-cancer-at-home-step-by-step-instructions-for-4-self-exams-article-151071149" data-type="tilCustomLink">cancer</a>. It includes men in the age group of 45 to 61 who have a BRCA2 gene variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer.

Importantly, the committee did not recommend targeted screening for other groups at higher risk, including Black men or men with a family history but no BRCA2 variant. It said that more evidence is needed to take a call on those matters. 

PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by prostate cells. Higher levels can be associated with prostate cancer. But they can also increase because of non-cancerous prostate enlargement or inflammation. 

This means screening can produce false alarms and lead to biopsies or treatment that some men may never need. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/tv-anchor-dermot-murnaghan-shares-health-update-on-stage-4-cancer-battle-urges-men-to-get-tested-sooner-article-152536060" data-type="tilCustomLink">Cancer Research UK</a> says PSA testing may also fail to detect some prostate cancers. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/testicular-cancer-warning-be-vigilant-about-these-unnoticeable-signs-doctor-warns-article-151102459" data-type="tilCustomLink">Testicular Cancer Warning: Be Vigilant About These Unnoticeable Signs, Doctor Warns</a>

<h2>Why Are Black Men Ineligible Despite Being In Higher Risk Group? </h2>

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Black men have a substantially higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer, but the UK NSC said there is currently insufficient evidence to establish whether routine screening of Black men would help. 

At the same time, the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/england-set-to-become-one-of-the-first-countries-to-eliminate-hepatitis-c-article-155597227" data-type="tilCustomLink">UK Government</a> has expanded access for Black men to the TRANSFORM prostate cancer screening trial, which is designed to find a better way of detecting clinically significant prostate cancer.

The change does not mean PSA testing is being banned. Men with symptoms or particular risk factors can still be assessed by their GP, and doctors can request testing when it is clinically appropriate.

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Men in the UK could face limited access to prostate cancer testing under updated guidance that gives GPs authority to decide if some men without symptoms should receive a PSA blood test. The development comes after the UK Government rejected calls for routine prostate cancer screening for all men. It instead backed a targeted approach in which those at highest genetic risk would be considered first. Why Is The UK Changing Prostate Cancer Testing Guidance? Under existing NHS guidance, men aged 50 and over can request a PSA test after discussing the benefits and limitations with their GP.The new guidance states that the decision to authorise PSA testing ultimately rests with the doctor. Recent reports suggested that the policy has sparked criticism from cancer charities and campaigners.Regardless, a PSA test can find prostate cancer, but it cannot reliably tell doctors which cancers are dangerous and which may be manageable with treatment.The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) concluded in May that routine screening of the whole male population could do more harm than good.It said that for every 1,000 men aged 50 to 60 screened using PSA, up to two lives could be saved, but as many as 20 men could experience overdiagnosis.Also read: Prostate Cancer: NHS England's New Precision Radiotherapy Offers Hope In Just 5 Sessions Who Will Be Eligible For Regular Screening?The UK NSC has recommended targeted screening every two years for a much smaller group who are more likely to get prostate cancer. It includes men in the age group of 45 to 61 who have a BRCA2 gene variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer.Importantly, the committee did not recommend targeted screening for other groups at higher risk, including Black men or men with a family history but no BRCA2 variant. It said that more evidence is needed to take a call on those matters. What Is A PSA Test?  PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by prostate cells. Higher levels can be associated with prostate cancer. But they can also increase because of non-cancerous prostate enlargement or inflammation. This means screening can produce false alarms and lead to biopsies or treatment that some men may never need. Cancer Research UK says PSA testing may also fail to detect some prostate cancers. Also read: Testicular Cancer Warning: Be Vigilant About These Unnoticeable Signs, Doctor WarnsWhy Are Black Men Ineligible Despite Being In Higher Risk Group?             Black men have a substantially higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer, but the UK NSC said there is currently insufficient evidence to establish whether routine screening of Black men would help. At the same time, the UK Government has expanded access for Black men to the TRANSFORM prostate cancer screening trial, which is designed to find a better way of detecting clinically significant prostate cancer.The change does not mean PSA testing is being banned. Men with symptoms or particular risk factors can still be assessed by their GP, and doctors can request testing when it is clinically appropriate.

uk set to implement stricter prostate cancer testing protocol; which groups are eligible to get tested?

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UK Set To Implement Stricter Protocol For Prostate Cancer Testing; Who Is Eligible To Get Tested?

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