The UK government has announced a radical new strategy aimed at tackling the stark health disparities faced by men, with a flagship initiative to introduce routine at-home testing for prostate cancer.
This comprehensive plan, unveiled on Wednesday 19 November 2025, focuses on major health issues including prostate cancer, mental wellbeing, and heart disease. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the urgency of the situation, pointing to the sobering statistic that men die nearly four years earlier than women.
A New Front in Prostate Cancer Detection
A cornerstone of the new strategy is the rollout of routine at-home prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests. These tests, which could be made available through the NHS app from 2027, are designed to facilitate earlier detection of prostate cancer.
Currently, the NHS does not offer routine PSA screening, although men over 50 can request the test. This new approach aims to make the process more accessible and less daunting, potentially saving lives by identifying cancer at a more treatable stage.
Beyond Testing: A Holistic Health Push
The government's vision extends far beyond a single test. The plan is a multi-pronged assault on poor men's health outcomes.
It includes offering video consultations to make accessing help easier, providing healthcare staff with specialised training to better understand men's health needs, and increasing funding for vital research into conditions that disproportionately affect men.
Mr. Streeting also highlighted the mental health crisis, noting that suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50. To combat the stigma, the government is fostering partnerships like the Premier League's 'Together Against Suicide' initiative.
This new men's health strategy represents a significant shift in policy, aiming to close the mortality gap and ensure men receive the proactive, accessible care they need.
