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BAUS statement in response to UK NSC draft prostate cancer screening recommendations

What do the recommendations mean for BAUS members?

03 December 2025 (Last updated: 3 Dec 2025 12:05)



The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) acknowledges the National Screening Committee’s draft recommendation for a targeted prostate cancer screening programme, proposing that men aged 45 to 61 with confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations undergo screening every two years.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumour suppressor genes critical to DNA repair, and whilst everyone carries these genes, a small proportion inherit or develop abnormalities, significantly increasing their risk of aggressive, early-onset prostate cancer. Approximately 1 in 381 people carry a BRCA1 mutation and 1 in 277 carry BRCA2, with certain populations such as those of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry having a much higher prevalence at 1 in 40 individuals.

As urologists, our priority is achieving the best possible outcomes for men at risk of prostate cancer. While this draft recommendation represents a significant step forward, further work is required before implementation. Furthermore, Targeted education, communication, and sustained community engagement are essential.

A 12-week public consultation is now open, inviting feedback from all stakeholders.

The NSC will review this feedback and decide whether to confirm, adjust, or withdraw the proposal. If approved, the recommendation will proceed to ministerial sign off across the four UK nations. Implementation will require health systems to address key challenges, including identifying men with BRCA mutations, ensuring equitable access across regions, and managing resources effectively. Once adopted, the programme would offer PSA testing every two years to men in the target group. Those with elevated PSA levels would follow the standard diagnostic and treatment pathway, including MRI and biopsy only when clinically indicated, reducing unnecessary procedures and overdiagnosis.

BAUS is looking to analyse this report in detail with a view to offering a full and comprehensive response as part of the wider consultation process.

We strongly encourage clinicians, researchers, charities, and members of the public to also come forward and contribute to the consultation process.

Further resources:

Multi-organisation statement on prostate cancer screening

UK NSC draft prostate cancer screening recommendation

UK NSC opens consultation on draft prostate cancer screening recommendation

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