A new study by Swedish researchers suggests that screening all men between the ages of 45 and 49 would predict nearly half of all prostate cancer deaths.

The proposal is seen by some as controversial because (PSA) prostate specific antigen testing can be unreliable, resulting in false positives which lead to unnecessary treatment and worry. A high PSA is linked to an increased risk prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer affecting men in the UK and there is currently no routine screening programme as there are for breast cancer and cervical cancer in women. Prostate cancer mainly affects men who are over 50 and as such men over 50 can request a free PSA test on the NHS if they are worried about the risk of prostate cancer.

The UK National Screening Committee in England last reviewed the issue of prostate cancer screening in 2010 and are due to look at it again towards the end of 2013.

The authors of the Swedish study, which looked at results in over 21,000 men, say that there is a strong case for routine testing and that men in the late 40s are the prime candidates. Screening men at the age of 45-49, however, spotted nearly half (44%) of the cancers that went on to be deadly.

Prostate Cancer UK has said that more research should go into finding a better say of screening for prostate cancer.

Travel insurance and prostate cancer

With 81% of prostate cancer patients surviving 5 years or more after diagnosis and almost 70% surviving more than 10 years it’s important that suitable insurance products are available.

Obtaining travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis can prove more of a challenge than finding standard travel insurance because many travel insurance providers exclude cover for existing medical conditions, including prostate cancer.

Goodtogoinsurance.com is proud to be able to offer travel insurance to travellers with all types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Since 2010 we have enabled over 900 men living with or recovered from prostate cancer to enjoy a holiday abroad safe in the knowledge that they are fully covered by their travel insurance.

Prices start at just £13.75* (Silver Cover) for a 60 year old who has recently recovered from prostate cancer.

Get a quote for cancer travel insurance >>

*Price correct at date of publication.

Price based on 1 adult aged 60 travelling to Greece for 1 week. Where the diagnosis of prostate cancer was 1-10 years ago, it hasn’t spread, the prostate has been removed, and the patient has seen a hospital doctor 1-2 times in the last 12 months.