In a moment of parental panic, David Cameron once made headlines for accidentally leaving his eight-year-old daughter, Nancy, behind at a pub. This incident, while undoubtedly distressing for any father, also struck a chord with many parents, serving as a relatable reminder of the occasional chaos of family life. Thankfully, Nancy was unharmed, though she reportedly still teases her father about the mishap 13 years later. Perhaps now, she might find some solace in his recent advocacy for a crucial health issue.

Recently, Cameron opened up about his personal battle with prostate cancer, a revelation that not only highlights his resilience but also serves as a public service to men everywhere. By sharing his experience, he encourages others to prioritize their health and not shy away from medical consultations due to unfounded fears. Prostate examinations often evoke anxiety due to misconceptions about the procedure, specifically the digital rectal exam, which involves a doctor checking for abnormalities with their fingers.

However, as Cameron emphasizes through his own journey, modern medicine offers less invasive diagnostic options. He underwent a blood test to gauge prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, followed by an MRI scan and a biopsy, illustrating a comprehensive approach to detecting prostate cancer.

Fortunately, Cameron’s treatment appears to have been successful, yet many men are not as fortunate. Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the UK, trailing only behind lung cancer. Despite its prevalence, there remains no national screening program dedicated to early detection.

In an interview with The Times, Cameron expressed his commitment to the issue, stating, “I want to, as it were, come out. I want to add my name to the long list of people calling for a targeted screening programme.” His call to action underscores a pressing need for improved awareness and early intervention strategies in combating this silent killer.

Speaking to The Times he said: “I want to, as it were, come out. I want to add my name to the long list of people calling for a targeted screening programme.

“I don’t particularly like discussing my personal intimate health issues, but I feel I ought to. Let’s be honest. Men are not very good at talking about their health. We tend to put things off.”

The UK National Screening Committee is set to announce in the coming weeks whether it believes current evidence supports the introduction of a screening programme.

There are said to be concerns about the accuracy of the PSA test and I say it’s good to be concerned, but the screening programme needs to happen.

I myself have incurable bowel cancer and two of the blood tests I have every fortnight are similar to the PSA test but detect antigens related to my bowels, rather than the prostate.

The tests are never treated as gospel and are just a guide about whether my tumours are stable or growing. And then every three months I have MRI and CT scans to give a definitive picture of what is going on inside my body.

There are three actions the NHS must now take when necessary. Just like the way it happened with David Cameron, the screening programme should start with the PSA test and if any issues are suspected, then an MRI test can be done and, if necessary, a biopsy.

These screenings won’t be cheap, but detecting and treating cancer early is far cheaper and better for the patient than not finding it until it has spread to other parts of the body.

And of course, the Daily Express’s Cancer Care campaign will fight for those men who are diagnosed to receive proper mental health care throughout their difficult journey.