The NHS has begun inviting 500,000 men to join a significant research programme called Prostate Progress. The initiative aims to enhance the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Men who have had or are currently living with prostate cancer will receive letters and text messages detailing how to register. The programme is led by the charity Prostate Cancer Research and supported by the NHS's DigiTrials recruitment service.
Prostate Progress seeks to accelerate the development of improved tests, treatments, and care. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires about their experiences and allow their NHS records to be securely linked for approved research.
The programme is particularly keen for Black men to participate, as they face approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer. Actors Stephen Fry and Colin McFarlane, both previously diagnosed with prostate cancer, are backing the scheme, with Mr McFarlane encouraging Black men to sign up.
Prostate cancer is currently the most common cancer in the UK, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed and over 12,000 deaths annually.