The Telegraph is calling for the introduction of targeted screening so that men at the greatest risk – including black men, those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene variants, and those with a family history of the cancer – are offered tests. 

Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon and member of the prostate cancer APPG, told The Telegraph his heritage and family history put him at high risk of prostate cancer. 

“It’s extremely disappointing to see this decision from the National Screening Committee,” he said. 

“As someone within the high risk category, who makes sure to get tested annually, the decision to only screen those with the BRCA2 gene is a missed opportunity that undoubtedly could have saved lives. 

“This is especially true for black men, who despite being at twice the risk of diagnosis and death from prostate cancer compared with other men, have not been recommended for a targeted programme of screening.

“Whilst it’s a step in the right direction it’s critical that men understand their risk and know what they can do about it.

“I will continue to call for Government ministers to consider overruling the National Screening Committee so that prostate cancer is no longer the only major cancer without a national screening programme.”

The Telegraph’s campaign has been backed by charities and medical experts, and well-known survivors of prostate cancer, including actor and broadcaster Sir Stephen Fry and former Scotland international Kenny Logan, as well as the TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan, who is being treated for the disease.

Draft proposals in November had recommended only that tests should be offered to men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

‘A step backwards’

This week, the final recommendation restricted it still further, so that only men with a pathogenic BRCA2 gene variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer should be eligible.

Health officials said the change was made because the evidence linking BRCA 2 to aggressive disease was stronger, and said that it would mean just “a few thousand” men will be offered tests. 

Charities accused health officials of “condemning thousands to preventable deaths” while Lord Cameron, the former prime minister, who was treated for prostate cancer, called the restrictions “a step backwards”.

The UK lags behind many European countries on prostate cancer survival, ranking 17th of 28 countries in one major league table.

Almost every country in Europe is now planning or piloting some form of prostate cancer screening.