A Devon-based charity, the Torbay Prostate Support Association (TPSA), is advocating for expanded prostate cancer screening on the NHS to address the issue of undiagnosed cases. The charity has been offering Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests to men over 50, despite acknowledging the test's limitations in detecting cancer with 100% accuracy. The association's chairman, Ian Nightingale, shared a personal story of misdiagnosis and subsequent prostate removal in 2018, highlighting the importance of proactive health management. The charity's efforts have been supported by a recent session in Torquay, where 359 men received free antigen tests. However, the tests can produce false positives and negatives, underscoring the need for widespread availability of screening. Prostate Cancer UK reports that 6,331 men in the South West region are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, with 1,280 deaths attributed to the disease. The NHS currently recommends that men consult their GPs for PSA tests if they perceive themselves as being at risk. The UK National Screening Committee is reevaluating its decision not to recommend routine screening, made five years ago. Prostate Cancer UK's director, Chiara De Biase, emphasizes the need for more accurate screening methods, citing a £42 million trial aimed at finding the best approach to prostate cancer screening. The trial, known as the Transform Trial, is expected to provide valuable insights within two years, which will inform the National Screening Committee's decision.
