Chris Hoy 'extremely saddened' after experts advise against prostate cancer screening for most men

Sir Chris Hoy has said he is “extremely disappointed and saddened” after experts advised against prostate cancer screening for most men.

The UK National Screening Committee said in a draft recommendation that men with a known genetic risk should be screened for prostate cancer every two years, but testing all men was not advised because of the “harms” of overdiagnosis.

“More than 12,000 men are dying of prostate cancer every year, it is now the UK’s most common cancer in men with black men at double the risk, along with men with a family history, like myself,” Sir Chris said.

“I am extremely disappointed and saddened by the recommendation announced by the National Screening Committee today to rule against national screening for men at high risk of prostate cancer.”

The former Olympic cyclist revealed last year his prostate cancer had spread to his bones and that doctors gave him between two and four years to live.

Sir Chris said introducing regular checks for men carrying BRCA genes was “a very small step forward” and was “not enough”.

“I know first-hand that by sharing my story following my own diagnosis two years ago, many, many lives have been saved,” Sir Chris said.

“Early screening and diagnosis saves lives.

“I am determined to continue to use my platform to raise awareness, encourage open discussion, raise vital funds for further research and support, and to campaign for change.”

Following the draft recommendation, England World Cup winning footballer Sir Geoff Hurst said it should be mandatory for all men aged over 45 to be tested for prostate cancer.

He said: “I have known many people to suffer with prostate cancer, and given correct testing and early enough testing, they could’ve been furnished with a much better outcome.

“So the results that they have have gone some way towards helping, but I think it would’ve been better if all men over 45 could be tested.”

Former footballer Les Ferdinand and actor Colin McFarlane also shared their disappointment at the decision. McFarlane said people “deserve so much better than this”, with black men being at higher risk of prostate cancer.

McFarlane, who was diagnosed with the disease along with his brother, went on to say black men “urgently need the Government to take action and overhaul outdated NHS guidelines” to allow GPs to “proactively” contact them about a blood test from the age of 45.

It comes after former Conservative prime minister Lord David Cameron revealed earlier this week that he had been treated for prostate cancer.

Lord Cameron said in a post on X responding to Friday’s announcement: “I urge @wesstreeting and the government to be brave and bold on this crucial issue.

“Make the first step more significant than what’s being recommended. Put in place a proper, targeted screening programme that involves all those at higher-risk.

“Without it, more men will die, more families will lose a loved one. This is avoidable and can be done.”