The right’s culture war over prostate cancer screening is damaging trust in medicine
The author argues that political figures and media outlets are politicizing prostate cancer screening guidelines to undermine trust in medical institutions. The piece defends the UK national screening committee's evidence-based approach to targeted testing.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing tension between public health policy and populist political rhetoric in the UK.
A mobile prostate cancer test van invites men to have a PSA test to check their risk for prostate cancer in central Manchester, 27 May 2023. Photograph: Terry Waller/Alamy View image in fullscreen A mobile prostate cancer test van invites men to have a PSA test to check their risk for prostate cancer in central Manchester, 27 May 2023. Photograph: Terry Waller/Alamy Opinion Prostate cancer The right’s culture war over prostate cancer screening is damaging trust in medicine Polly Toynbee The decision not to test all men and only screen the most at risk, including black men, is fact-based. Yet it’s been called ‘two-tier’ – and labelled as misandry
The author explicitly criticizes right-leaning politicians and media outlets, framing their arguments as 'culture wars' and 'anti-evidence'.
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