We believe that every man has the right to know if he has prostate cancer, and that he deserves the right to treat it rather than suffer from a late-stage diagnosis.

As a global charity, Movember sees the diversity of challenges that men face around the world with prostate cancer. In many developing countries, prostate cancer mortality is increasing, with very few men having access to any kind of testing, even with advanced symptoms of cancer. In developed western countries, many men have access to PSA testing as a personal choice in consultation with their physician. The current PSA test is by no means perfect, but it’s the best test currently available and as an organization, we believe that every man has the right to know if he has prostate cancer.

Like many cancers, prostate cancer is highly curable if detected early and treated effectively. Therefore, we believe that every man has the right to know if he has prostate cancer and deserves the right to treat it rather than suffer from a late-stage diagnosis.

The limitation with the PSA test is that it cannot differentiate between men with aggressive cancer and men who will never have symptoms or need treatment. This can, and does, lead to over-diagnosis. Movember also acknowledges that in many developed countries, some men are being unnecessarily treated, resulting in side effects that significantly affect the quality of a man’s life. As one of the world’s leading non-government funders of prostate cancer research, Movember actively supports programs and initiatives that reduce the instances of overtreatment.

Proof of Movember’s commitment to finding a better test comes in the establishment of our Global Action Plan (GAP); which will see us work alongside a team of leading prostate cancer experts from around the world, with the objective of accelerating key outcomes in prostate cancer research. In establishing the GAP, we will be supporting one large international research initiative each year that attracts the best prostate cancer researchers in the world, to collaborate on tackling some of the key challenges that will help find better tests and treatment options for men affected by prostate cancer.

Too many men are dying from prostate cancer and too many men are being wrongly treated due to the inadequacies of the current PSA test. However, until an improved test is found, it is the best option available and we will continue to encourage men over the age of 40, who’ve got a family history of prostate cancer or of African American decent, and for all other men at 50 to get tested based on an informed decision made in consultation with their physician.