The NHS is set to review its guidelines on prostate cancer testing following Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy’s heartfelt call for earlier screening. Sir Chris, 48, who has advanced, terminal prostate cancer, has urged men with a family history of the disease to speak to their GPs about the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which can help detect the condition. Currently, PSA tests are not routinely offered to men under 50 unless they have symptoms, but Sir Chris argues for lowering the age threshold to catch cases earlier.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged Sir Chris’s powerful plea, confirming that he has asked the NHS to examine the case for reducing the age for PSA testing. NHS guidelines currently allow men over 50, or those experiencing symptoms, to request the test. However, routine PSA screening is not offered as the test alone is considered unreliable for diagnosing prostate cancer. Experts are exploring whether combining PSA testing with MRI scans could improve detection.

Prostate Cancer UK has backed the call, highlighting that one in eight men will develop the disease, with those at higher risk, such as black men and those with a family history, encouraged to discuss testing from age 45. The charity emphasised that prostate cancer often presents no early symptoms, leading to too many late, incurable diagnoses.

Sir Chris spoke candidly about the shock of his diagnosis and the challenges of sharing the news with his family. Despite his prognosis, he remains focused on raising awareness, saying he hopes his story will prompt more men to seek testing and drive changes in screening policies. His message is one of gratitude and prioritising what matters most, as he continues to advocate for earlier intervention to save lives.