A significant decision regarding prostate cancer screening is anticipated today from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). After a comprehensive three-year review, the committee will advise ministers on whether routine testing should be extended to the wider male population, particularly focusing on those at higher risk. Reports suggest that the committee is likely to reject the broader use of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test for two key demographics: Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer. However, it is expected to recommend that a select group of at-risk men, specifically those with the BRCA gene mutation, should be invited for PSA testing. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the UK, with approximately 63,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths annually. Unlike breast, bowel, and lung cancers, there is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer. The UK NSC has previously determined that the PSA test is not sufficiently accurate for widespread use, primarily due to concerns over over-diagnosis. This could lead to unnecessary treatments for men with slow-growing tumours that may not pose a significant health risk during their lifetime. Among those advocating for change is Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who has been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. He argues that men with known risk factors should be screened for prostate cancer once they reach a certain age, irrespective of symptoms. Prostate Cancer UK has echoed this call, urging for targeted screening for Black men, those with a family history of the disease, and men with BRCA gene variants. Former Prime Minister David Cameron recently disclosed his own prostate cancer diagnosis, adding his voice to the campaign for a targeted screening programme. Over 120 MPs, including ex-PM Rishi Sunak, have written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, advocating for the introduction of such a programme. The PSA test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder and contributes to semen production. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, following lung cancer. Research indicates that mass screening using PSA tests could reduce mortality by 13%, similar to the effects of existing NHS screening programmes for breast and bowel cancer. However, the potential harms of unnecessary treatments, such as prostate removal or chemotherapy, are significant. Chemotherapy can reduce life expectancy, particularly in older men, while surgery may result in complications like incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Another proposal under consideration by the committee is to implement screening for all men once they reach a certain age, akin to the breast cancer screening programme for women. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has pledged to expedite the launch of a screening programme if the committee supports the move today. There are also indications that he might overrule the committee's recommendations if they favour expanding prostate screening. Charities have cautioned that it is crucial for Mr Streeting to adhere to scientific evidence, which may necessitate waiting for the results of a significant trial named Transform, aimed at identifying the most effective prostate screening methods. Chiara De Biase from Prostate Cancer UK stated, "We do not want a politically motivated screening programme. I'm a clinician first and foremost; we do no harm. We will absolutely stand by the outcome of the NSC. If the science just isn't there, then we already have the solution, and the solution is Transform." Dr Ian Walker from Cancer Research UK warned that introducing a screening programme without the NSC's backing would set a "dangerous precedent" for the government.