Latest news with #UKNationalScreeningCommittee
Telegraph
09-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Prostate cancer spit test ‘brings national screening a step closer'
A prostate cancer spit test has brought a national screening programme for the disease a step closer, experts have said. The saliva test, which can be done at home, was proven to be more accurate at detecting prostate cancer than existing tests offered by the NHS in a breakthrough study published last year. Their comments come a day after Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, declared that he would like to see a screening programme for what is the most common cancer in men – if the decision was 'evidence-based'. The UK National Screening Committee (NSC), which is responsible for such programmes, is examining the latest research. The current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test's tendency to over-diagnose patients who would have lived happily without needing treatment has meant that officials have resisted calls for a national screening programme. But experts believe that the saliva test could be a screening option after the study showed it reduced the number of false positive results and picked up a higher proportion of aggressive cancers than the PSA test. Naser Turabi, director of evidence and implementation at Cancer Research UK, said: 'Right now, there's no reliable method to detect aggressive prostate cancer, but this study brings us a step closer to finding the disease sooner in those people who need treatment.' The spit test allows scientists to check a man's DNA for 130 genetic variants that have been linked to the cancer. Its rollout could lead to fewer men being sent for unnecessary invasive procedures, better targeting those with aggressive forms of the disease at risk of spreading. Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust found the saliva test identified more men with prostate cancer and picked up more aggressive forms of the disease than the PSA test. The PSA test is not routinely offered, but can be requested by men over age 50 from their GP. It is a blood test that detects the amount of a protein linked to cancer in the blood, however, its accuracy is a subject of controversy amongst scientists. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, used the spit test to assess 6,300 men aged 55 to 69 in Britain. Some 468 men that the test deemed to be at high risk agreed to undergo a biopsy, of whom 40 per cent were diagnosed with prostate cancer. This compares with 25 per cent of men with high PSA scores, who typically go on to be diagnosed with the disease. The spit test also diagnosed a higher proportion of men with aggressive cancers that spread more quickly. They accounted for 55.1 per cent of the 187 diagnoses, compared with the 35.5 typically picked up by a PSA test. Ros Eeles, a professor at the ICR and a consultant at the Royal Marsden, said the test could ' turn the tide on prostate cancer'. 'We have shown that a relatively simple, inexpensive spit test to identify men of European heritage at higher risk due to their genetic make-up is an effective tool to catch prostate cancer early,' she said. 'We can identify men at risk of aggressive cancers who need further tests and spare the men who are at lower risk from unnecessary treatments.' Prof Kristian Helin, chief executive of the ICR, said there was an 'urgent need for a better screening test' and this study was 'a promising advancement towards that goal'. Researchers have estimated that the spit test could identify up to 12,350 people earlier, saving the NHS about £500 million a year. Asked about a potential new programme on Tuesday, Mr Streeting said. 'Decisions in this area do need to be evidence-based and evidence-led, and that's why we have a National Screening Committee. So I've asked the National Screening Committee to look at this, and they are.' About 55,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in Britain, with 12,000 men dying. A separate trial has been launched that will compare the saliva tests to the PSA test and an MRI scan. Dr Matthew Hobbs, from Prostate Cancer UK, said that this next trial would 'test this genetic risk approach to make sure it worked at scale, and for men of all ethnicities'. Prostate Cancer UK has called for guidelines to be changed so GPs can have discussions about getting tested with men at highest risk of the disease. But other experts said that the ' evidence is not there yet ' to support a national screening programme. 'More research needed' Jenny Donovan, professor of social medicine at Bristol University, said: 'The key criterion for screening from the National Screening Committee is that the benefit gained by individuals from the screening programme should outweigh any harms. 'We think the evidence shows that we're not there yet, and more research is needed.' Freddie Hamdy, professor of urology at Oxford University, said the UK is 'not an outlier' by not having a screening programme – with only Lithuania and Mexico having schemes in place. Prof Hamdy also said that because prostate cancer 'grows so slowly', previous studies have taken 20 years to report back. Review the evidence A Department of Health spokesman said: 'The National Screening Committee is reviewing evidence for prostate cancer screening programmes. 'Alongside £16 million investment into research, this Government's National Cancer Plan will transform the way we treat cancer and improve diagnosis, screening, treatment and prevention. 'Through a combination of investment and reform as part of the Government's Plan for Change, we will fix our health service and make it fit for the future.'
Telegraph
28-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
DIY cervical checks to be offered from next year
DIY cervical cancer checks will be on offer next year under NHS plans. The self-checks will allow those who do not attend appointments the option to do their own tests at home, ordering kit on the app. Before then, the NHS will extend a 'ping and book' service so women can book appointments for screening on smartphones, from this summer. The plan published on Friday is part of efforts to fulfil a pledge to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, much of which rests on the rollout of HPV vaccination to teenagers. Currently, women aged between 25 and 49 are offered cervical screening every three years, with five-year gaps for those aged between 50 and 64. The checks which test for HPV have replaced standard smears. Now, health officials are gearing up for the rollout of HPV self-sampling for those who do not participate in the cervical screening programme in early 2026 if the recommendation is made by Government advisors. Amanda Pritchard, the NHS chief executive, said it was a 'momentous and world-leading ambition for the NHS'. 'We know busy life can get in the way, which is why the NHS is making it even easier to come forward – starting with extending our 'ping and book' service to cervical cancer, with more and more women to receive invites on their phone via the NHS app later this year.' 'We are also really excited about the potential to revolutionise access to screening through self-testing, and this major plan sets out how the NHS stands ready to roll out DIY swab kits for thousands of women, subject to approval by the UK National Screening Committee.' Ms Pritchard said the tests could enable women to take part in screening at home, by simply ordering a kit via the NHS app, or through their GP or pharmacy. Health officials said vaccinations would also be offered in more settings, including in pharmacies. She said: 'Together we can make this life-saving ambition a reality and save many more women the pain and trauma of cancer, and I'm delighted in my final week as chief executive to see the NHS set a clear path to making cervical cancer a disease of the past.' Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of the Eve Appeal charity said: 'We welcome the publication of a national cervical cancer elimination plan. 'We were delighted when an ambitious but achievable target for elimination was set for England, but as we know, a target is just a number if it doesn't have a plan behind it. 'Achieving cervical elimination does not mean 'fixing' one thing – it needs several different strategies and evidence-based approaches across HPV vaccination, improving screening uptake and ensure those with a positive HPV result move into treatment swiftly.'
The Independent
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Sunak calls for targeted national screening programme for prostate cancer
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak has urged Sir Keir Starmer to set up a national screening programme for those at high risk of prostate cancer. Mr Sunak, who was recently made a Prostate Cancer Research ambassador, said thousands of lives could be saved as a result of targeted measures. Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer are statistically more at risk of the disease, the charity said. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously said screenings could have a 'huge part to play in bridging health inequalities' and the UK National Screening Committee is 'examining the case for population screening'. During Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Sunak said: 'Prostate cancer is now our country's most common cancer and yet there is no national screening programme. 'We made progress towards this in government but yet there is more to do, which is why I'm delighted to have joined Prostate Cancer Research, the charity, as an ambassador. 'I'm grateful to the Health Secretary for his engagement thus far, and could I ask the Prime Minister to ensure that we do have a targeted national screening programme for the most-at-risk groups of prostate cancer? 'So that we can not only save the NHS money, make progress towards the Government's early diagnosis targets, but most crucially, save thousands of lives.' The Prime Minister replied: 'Can I thank him for using his authority and reputation to support this vital cause which will make a material difference, and I look forward to working with him on it. 'We do share a commitment to detecting prostate cancer earlier and treating it faster – we must do that. 'Our national cancer plan will improve the way we treat cancer right across the country, and I'll make sure he is fully informed of the steps that we're taking, and we'll work with him.' Mr Sunak said he was 'honoured' to have been made an ambassador and he hopes his work will 'prevent further needless deaths'. Speaking earlier this week, he added: 'Men tend to ignore pain hoping it'll go away rather than going to see the GP, and that's a part of the reason why prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males in the UK. 'We can do something about that. It is clear from a trial that I funded when I was in office, that early detection saves lives. 'Catching the cancer early drastically improved survival rates, however that survival rate drops by half if it's caught late. A targeted national screening programme will help save many lives.' Last Thursday, Mr Sunak met workers at the laboratories of British cancer diagnostics company Oxford BioDynamics, where they are working on a new blood test. The EpiSwitch PSE test can detect prostate cancer with 94% accuracy, which is a 'significant improvement' on the most commonly used PSA test, according to Prostate Cancer Research. David James, director of patient projects and influencing at Prostate Cancer Research, said: 'We deeply value Rishi's ongoing advocacy and welcome the Prime Minister's recognition of the need for earlier detection and faster treatment of prostate cancer. 'With cases now at record levels, urgent action is needed to stop men from being diagnosed too late. A targeted national screening programme is critical, particularly for those at highest risk. 'We look forward to working with Rishi in his role as a Prostate Cancer Research ambassador, and to collaborating with Wes Streeting and others to ensure that this remains a central focus in the national cancer plan and the UK National Screening Committee's review.' Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: 'We want to extend our thanks to Rishi Sunak for bringing the issue of targeted screening directly to the Prime Minister. 'We submitted our proposal for targeted screening to the National Screening Committee over two years ago. We expect to hear from them before the end of 2025, but time is running out for far too many men. 'While we wait for the National Screening Committee, there's something the Government can do right now to help men. Prostate Cancer UK is calling on the Government to change outdated NHS guidelines so that GPs can start having proactive conversations with men at the highest risk of getting prostate cancer about their risk and the option to get tested. 'Sign our letter to Wes Streeting to get current NHS guidelines updated so that men at highest risk can be diagnosed earlier and more easily.'
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sunak calls for targeted national screening programme for prostate cancer
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak has urged Sir Keir Starmer to set up a national screening programme for those at high risk of prostate cancer. Mr Sunak, who was recently made a Prostate Cancer Research ambassador, said thousands of lives could be saved as a result of targeted measures. Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer are statistically more at risk of the disease, the charity said. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously said screenings could have a 'huge part to play in bridging health inequalities' and the UK National Screening Committee is 'examining the case for population screening'. During Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Sunak said: 'Prostate cancer is now our country's most common cancer and yet there is no national screening programme. 'We made progress towards this in government but yet there is more to do, which is why I'm delighted to have joined Prostate Cancer Research, the charity, as an ambassador. 'I'm grateful to the Health Secretary for his engagement thus far, and could I ask the Prime Minister to ensure that we do have a targeted national screening programme for the most-at-risk groups of prostate cancer? 'So that we can not only save the NHS money, make progress towards the Government's early diagnosis targets, but most crucially, save thousands of lives.' The Prime Minister replied: 'Can I thank him for using his authority and reputation to support this vital cause which will make a material difference, and I look forward to working with him on it. 'We do share a commitment to detecting prostate cancer earlier and treating it faster – we must do that. 'Our national cancer plan will improve the way we treat cancer right across the country, and I'll make sure he is fully informed of the steps that we're taking, and we'll work with him.' Mr Sunak said he was 'honoured' to have been made an ambassador and he hopes his work will 'prevent further needless deaths'. Speaking earlier this week, he added: 'Men tend to ignore pain hoping it'll go away rather than going to see the GP, and that's a part of the reason why prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males in the UK. 'We can do something about that. It is clear from a trial that I funded when I was in office, that early detection saves lives. 'Catching the cancer early drastically improved survival rates, however that survival rate drops by half if it's caught late. A targeted national screening programme will help save many lives.' Last Thursday, Mr Sunak met workers at the laboratories of British cancer diagnostics company Oxford BioDynamics, where they are working on a new blood test. The EpiSwitch PSE test can detect prostate cancer with 94% accuracy, which is a 'significant improvement' on the most commonly used PSA test, according to Prostate Cancer Research.
