Rishi Sunak joins fight against prostate cancer as ambassador

U.K. – Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has joined Prostate Cancer Research as an ambassador to support a national screening program for men at high risk of the disease.

His involvement follows a visit to Oxford BioDynamics, a UK biotech developing a new blood test that could improve early detection.

Current screening relies on PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests, which are not always accurate, often requiring follow-up biopsies that carry risks like pain and infection.

Due to these limitations, a nationwide screening program has not been feasible. However, Prostate Cancer Research believes that Oxford BioDynamics’ EpiSwitch PSE blood test—which detects prostate cancer with 94% accuracy and reduces biopsies by 50%—makes screening more practical.

Developed through a 10-year collaboration involving Imperial College, Imperial NHS Trust, the University of East Anglia, and Oxford BioDynamics, the test combines PSA and DNA analysis.

It is already available in the UK via private prescription and covered by Medicare and private insurers in the US.

Prostate Cancer Research welcomed Sunak’s support, stating, “Now is the time for action. Early detection saves lives and reduces pressure on the NHS by making treatment more effective and accessible.”

The charity’s Proactive For Your Prostate campaign calls for targeted screening, investment in advanced diagnostics, and AI-driven universal screening in the future.

Sunak, who remains an MP after losing the 2024 election, said he was “honored” to support the cause.

“Men tend to ignore pain rather than see a GP, which is why prostate cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer in UK males. We can change that,” he said.