Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has revealed that he recently underwent treatment for prostate cancer, sharing his experience publicly to encourage more men to get tested.
Cameron, 59, told The Times that his wife urged him to go for a medical check-up after they listened to a BBC interview with Soho House founder Nick Jones, who was advocating for greater prostate cancer awareness following his own diagnosis.
Diagnosed After Elevated PSA Test
Cameron took a PSA blood test, which showed elevated levels, prompting an MRI scan and a biopsy earlier this year. He was later treated with focal therapy, a targeted method that destroys cancer cells without removing the prostate.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with around 55,000 new cases annually.
Cameron Speaks Out Despite Hesitation
Although he said he dislikes discussing personal health matters, Cameron explained that he felt compelled to use his platform to support a push by Prostate Cancer Research for wider screening—especially for high-risk groups such as older men and black men.
“Men are not very good at talking about their health,” he said. “This happened to me, and I should lend my voice to it.”
Screening Debate Intensifies
The revelation comes as the UK National Screening Committee (NSC) prepares to decide whether to introduce a national prostate cancer screening programme. Currently, there is no routine screening because the PSA test can produce misleading results—sometimes detecting cancers that would never cause harm, and missing others that need treatment.
Nick Jones, whose radio interview prompted Cameron’s test, said this is a “crucial week” as the NSC weighs its decision. He urged officials to begin screening with high-risk groups before expanding it nationwide.
Major New Screening Trial Underway
A new UK-wide prostate cancer screening trial launched last week, aiming to identify the most effective method for early detection. The programme is backed by Prostate Cancer UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Chiara De Biase of Prostate Cancer UK praised Cameron for going public:
“Too many men are dying from a curable disease. We need change now.”
Rising Cases and Growing Awareness
One in every eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. It recently overtook breast cancer as the UK’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.
Last year, Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, 49, revealed his own advanced and terminal diagnosis, urging younger men not to ignore symptoms and regular screenings.
