Most Men Would Come Forward for Prostate Cancer Screening.

A new national poll by Healthwatch England has found that most men would take up the offer of prostate cancer screening if it were introduced.

At a time when the NHS is considering whether to roll out a national screening programme, these findings show that there is strong public interest – and that many men, particularly those at higher risk, want to take a proactive approach to their health.

What Men Told Healthwatch England

The poll found that 79% of men said they would be likely to attend prostate cancer screening if invited.

Some groups were even more positive:

• Black men (81%) – a group known to be at higher risk of prostate cancer.

• Men aged 65–74 (89%), compared with 65% of those aged 18–24.

• Men who described themselves as financially comfortable (89%) were more likely to say they would attend than those struggling financially (67%).

These results suggest that, if screening were available, most men would welcome the opportunity – though practical barriers and health inequalities could affect who comes forward.

Why Some Men Hesitate

Around 7% of respondents said they would be unlikely to attend a screening appointment. The most common reasons were:

• Disliking medical appointments (25%)

• Waiting until symptoms appear (22%)

• Feeling they were not at risk (21%)

This shows a continuing need for clear, accessible information about prostate cancer – particularly that early disease often has no symptoms.

What Happens Now

Unlike breast or bowel cancer, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer.

The current blood test used (the PSA test) can help identify potential issues but isn’t always reliable – it can miss cancers or lead to unnecessary worry and treatment. Because of this, national guidance doesn’t recommend proactive testing for men without symptoms.

However, men aged 50 and over have the right to request a PSA test from their GP. Yet some report confusion or difficulty accessing the test – with a small number even being refused.

What Healthwatch Is Calling For

Healthwatch England is asking NHS policymakers to take public opinion seriously as part of the new Men’s Health Strategy.

They are recommending:

1. Listening to men’s willingness to engage

   Policymakers should consider this strong public support when weighing up the clinical and financial evidence for a national screening programme.

2. Clearer national guidance

   Men and GPs need clarity about who can ask for a test, what the process should be, and what men can do if they’re refused.

3. Better awareness and early help-seeking

   Campaigns should focus on raising awareness of prostate cancer risks and symptoms, particularly among high-risk groups such as Black men and those with a family history.

Find out more: You can read the full Healthwatch England article here: Men would come forward for prostate cancer screening

Our Take

From a Healthwatch perspective, these findings highlight two key points: people want to take charge of their health, and they want clear information to help them make informed choices.

As decisions are made about the future of prostate cancer screening, it’s vital that men’s voices are heard , and that everyone, regardless of background or income, can access the same opportunities for early detection and treatment.

Our call to action:

If you’re over 50 , or at higher risk, talk to your GP about prostate health. Would you take the test if was available to you,?

Let us know by using our online form, share your experience with Healthwatch  or call us on 01635 886210, so we can make sure your voice is heard with those who make the decisions?