CF supports Prostate Cancer Research study into targeted screening
Prostate Cancer Research has released a study examining current testing activity, costs, workforce requirements and diagnostic pathways for prostate cancer in the UK. Drawing on NHS data, secondary research and expert clinical input, consultants from CF were commissioned to put together independent analysis to assess whether a targeted prostate cancer screening programme for men at highest risk could be delivered within the NHS.
Across the UK, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease. More than 64,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – and one-in-eight will be diagnosed in their lifetime – while more than 12,000 men die from it annually.
Despite the disease’s prevalence, however, currently, the UK does not operate a national screening programme for prostate cancer. Instead, men with symptoms, or all men over 50, can request a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test via their GP. If PSA levels are raised, patients are typically referred for an MRI scan, and if necessary, a biopsy. All this hinging on ‘request’ means there are ongoing concerns that prostate cancer is often diagnosed too late, particularly in higher-risk groups. The proposed targeted screening approach focuses on men aged 45–69 who are at elevated risk, specifically those with a family history of prostate cancer and Black men in the same age range. These groups are significantly more likely to develop the disease, yet are not systematically screened under current NHS practice.
While earlier research has shown that targeted screening could be cost-effective, uncertainty remained around whether the NHS has the capacity to deliver such a programme at scale. To address this, health consultancy CF has supported Prostate Cancer Research, to deliver new analysis into targeted screening.
CF led the modelling and analytical work to assess feasibility within real-world NHS constraints. This included quantifying current diagnostic activity using NHS hospital data, and building a detailed model of how demand for PSA tests, MRI scans and biopsies would change under a targeted screening programme. CF also estimated the associated costs and workforce requirements, ensuring the analysis reflected operational realities across the NHS – and the firm helped to evaluate how emerging diagnostic technologies, like more accurate blood tests, could boost future capacity and efficiency.
Commenting in an article appearing on CF’s website, David James, director of patient projects and influencing at Prostate Cancer Research, said, “CF supported our prostate cancer screening project by providing expert NHS data analysis and clinical research. Their thorough, collaborative approach delivered a clear understanding of diagnostic activity and future demands, along with actionable recommendations for implementing targeted screening. CF’s professionalism and clarity were invaluable, giving us confidence to advocate for policy change to expand screening to those at highest risk.”
The analysis concluded that a targeted screening programme for high-risk men would be both practical and affordable, estimating an annual cost of approximately £25 million, or just 0.01% of the NHS budget. The programme would increase demand for PSA tests, MRI scans and biopsies by around 23%, with additional workforce requirements estimated at just 0.01% to 0.4% of full-time equivalent NHS staff.
The analysis also identified how innovations such as reflex blood testing, AI-assisted MRI interpretation, polygenic risk scoring and digital pathology could further improve diagnostic efficiency and help manage future demand. Overall, this suggested that a targeted prostate cancer screening programme could be delivered within existing NHS constraints, requiring only modest investment and minimal additional workforce capacity. By enabling earlier detection, it has the potential to save lives, reduce inequalities and lessen the burden of late-stage disease across the UK.
