Updated guidance to GPs states that PSA blood tests should not routinely be offered on the NHS to men who have no symptoms and do not carry a BRCA2 gene variant.
The guidance follows recommendations from the National Screening Committee (NSC) in June for the introduction of a targeted prostate cancer screening programme.
Following a review of the available evidence and a consultation, the NSC advised against routine prostate cancer screening for the whole population. Instead, it recommended targeted screening, with PSA tests every two years for men aged 45 to 61 who have a pathogenic BRCA2 variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer.
In a letter outlining the current guidance, seen by Pulse, the Department of Health and Social Care said the previous Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme had been withdrawn. GPs should instead refer to the guidance in the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries when discussing the potential benefits and risks of PSA testing with patients.
The new guidance no longer describes men aged over 50 as being at high risk, noting that while age is an important factor in assessing prostate cancer risk, it should not be considered in isolation.
The letter states that men concerned about prostate cancer can ask their GP about having a PSA test. The GP should then assess the individual’s cancer risk and consider whether testing is appropriate, while explaining the potential benefits and drawbacks.
There has been no change to the pathway for men with symptoms, and PSA testing should continue to be used for those presenting with symptoms.