NHS reviews prostate testing after Hoy plea

He is calling for cancer checks from age of 45

- MARTIN BAGOT

THE NHS will consider lowering the screening age for prostate cancer after Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy said men should be tested from 45.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ordered the review following the call from retired track cycling champ Sir Chris, 48, who has terminal cancer.

He is urging men with a family history of prostate cancer to consider seeing their GP.

Sir Chris also wants people to be aware of the prostate-specific antigen blood test to check for the disease.

Routine PSA testing is not offered on the NHS because of concerns about its reliability. But men over 50 can ask their GP for one even if they have no symptoms.

Sir Chris, whose dad and grandad had prostate cancer, said: "If you've got family history of it like I have, if you're over 45, go and ask your doctor.

"I've got a friend who, when I told him my news early on, he got a PSA test and it turned out he had cancer.