Men at greatest risk of prostate cancer are set to benefit from a major £20 million government-backed package aimed at improving early detection, broadening treatment options, and reducing inequalities in care across England.
A central plank of the investment is a significant expansion of the TRANSFORM trial – a landmark screening study jointly funded by Prostate Cancer UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). For the first time, the trial will actively invite all eligible Black men to participate, reflecting longstanding evidence that Black men face a disproportionately higher risk of prostate cancer.
Focus on tackling inequalities
The expansion marks a critical step in addressing persistent disparities in outcomes. By increasing participation among Black communities, researchers aim to build a stronger evidence base to inform a more targeted and effective national screening strategy.
To support this effort, NIHR funding will enable investigators to strengthen community engagement activity nationwide. Working alongside Prostate Cancer UK, outreach initiatives will focus on increasing awareness and encouraging uptake among underrepresented groups.
The government is also convening a senior roundtable this week, led by the Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister, bringing together community organisations to better understand how to improve access and participation in research.
First targeted screening programme for England
In a further development, ministers have accepted a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) to introduce England’s first targeted prostate cancer screening programme.
From 2027, men carrying the BRCA2 gene variant – and with a relevant family history of cancer – will be offered PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing every two years, between the ages of 45 and 61.
This marks a shift away from universal screening, with the UK NSC concluding that widespread testing could lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Instead, the targeted approach aims to ensure benefits clearly outweigh risks.
Expanding treatment options
Alongside screening improvements, the government is widening access to focal therapies – less invasive treatments that directly target tumours while minimising damage to surrounding tissue. This aims to give patients greater choice and reduce the long-term side effects associated with more aggressive treatments.
Additionally, new guidance is being developed with the UK Cancer Genetics Group (UKCGG) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to support GPs in advising men who may have a family history of prostate cancer but fall outside formal screening criteria.
Digital access and NHS App integration
From 2027, men already diagnosed with prostate cancer will also benefit from increased convenience, with the option to order PSA tests at home or book local blood tests via the NHS App.
The move aligns with broader NHS digital ambitions and supports ongoing monitoring for patients undergoing treatment or active surveillance.
Government emphasis on evidence-led policy
Health and Social Care Secretary, James Murray said:
“This is a major step forward in how we tackle prostate cancer - focusing on those most at risk, improving the treatments available, and backing the research we need to close the evidence gaps and save lives.
“We’re following the science to make sure men get earlier answers and better care, and to avoid doing unnecessary harm.
“By investing in research through trials such as TRANSFORM, we’re building a fairer, more effective prostate cancer screening system for the futures”
Wider cancer strategy context
The announcement comes as part of broader progress on cancer performance, with approximately 95,000 more patients receiving timely diagnoses or all-clear results compared with the previous year.
The recently published National Cancer Plan underpins this progress, setting out ambitions for faster diagnosis, quicker access to treatment, and improved patient support.
As evidence from trials like TRANSFORM continues to emerge, the UK NSC has confirmed it will keep screening recommendations under active review to ensure future policy reflects the latest scientific insights.
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