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<p>The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) does not currently recommend screening
for prostate cancer in the United Kingdom due to the inaccuracy of the current best
test, called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). A PSA-based screening programme could
harm men, as some of them would be diagnosed with a cancer that would not have caused
them problems during their life. This would lead to additional tests and treatments
which can also have harmful side effects.</p><p>The Government understands the importance
of improving evidence around prostate screening and therefore we are providing £16
million of funding to Prostate Cancer UK's £42 million trial, which is aimed at helping
us find a way of catching prostate cancer in men as early as possible.</p><p>The UK
NSC will consider the evidence for six possible approaches to targeted prostate screening
for those at higher risk. The UK NSC will publish its recommendations when complete.
The Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme provides general practices with information
to counsel asymptomatic men aged 50 years old about PSA testing for prostate cancer.</p>
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