Former Prime Minister Lord David Cameron has expressed disappointment at the National Screening Committee's (NSC) recommendation not to introduce a national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK. Speaking to the Telegraph, Lord Cameron described the decision as a 'real step back' and urged the government to reject the advice.
The NSC, which advises the government on screening programmes, has suggested that due to the risks of over-diagnosis and over-treatment, a national prostate cancer screening programme is not justified. However, Lord Cameron argued that the programme would save lives and improve early detection rates.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 52,000 diagnoses each year. Despite this, the charity claims that the lack of a national screening programme means that many men are missing out on life-saving tests.
Lord Cameron's comments come as the government considers the NSC's recommendation. A decision on whether to introduce a national screening programme is expected in the coming months. The opposition Labour Party has expressed support for a national programme, with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting saying that it would 'bring hope and reassurance' to those affected by the disease.
The Conservative government has been urged to reconsider its position and follow the lead of countries such as the US and Australia, where national prostate cancer screening programmes are in place.