Men in England could lose the automatic right to request a prostate cancer blood test from the NHS, according to a report from The Times.
The newspaper reports that new plans under consideration would mean middle-aged men without symptoms would no longer be routinely entitled to the test. The change, as described by The Times and other outlets covering the story, would affect men over 50 who currently can ask for the test during a GP appointment.
The proposal is reportedly controversial, with critics arguing it could delay detection of the disease. The Times says the move is part of a broader effort to reshape how prostate cancer screening is offered, though the specific rationale behind the plan was not detailed in the available reporting.
According to The Times, the current system allows men to request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test even if they have no symptoms. Under the new approach, that automatic entitlement would be removed, meaning access would likely depend on a doctor’s assessment or other criteria.
The Telegraph and LBC also covered the story, with LBC describing the plans as controversial. The Redditch Standard reported that men would no longer be automatically entitled to the NHS check, and conservativepost.co.uk said men over 50 would lose the automatic right to the blood test.
No official announcement has been made, and the plans have not yet been confirmed by the government or NHS England. The Times report is based on information about proposals that are still under discussion.
What to watch next: whether the government confirms the plans and whether patient advocacy groups push back on the proposed restriction.
