Overview
- The IMPACT study of 3,064 men aged 40 to 69 offered yearly PSA checks over five years and reported results at ESMO 2025.
- BRCA1 carriers were more than three times as likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer, while BRCA2 carriers had over double the risk and were diagnosed younger on average (60 versus 65).
- Institute of Cancer Research scientists want guidance updated so men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are offered annual PSA tests from age 40.
- The National Screening Committee is expected to rule that harms outweigh benefits for mass PSA screening but could back a targeted programme for higher‑risk groups.
- Proponents point to improved MRI‑led diagnostic pathways and potential equity gains, while critics cite PSA’s false positives, missed cancers and studies suggesting roughly 3 deaths prevented per 1,000 men tested versus up to 60 unnecessary diagnoses.