**Sir Chris Hoy Urges Overhaul of Prostate Cancer Testing Guidelines After Advanced Diagnosis**
Six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has stepped into the spotlight once again, not for his achievements on the cycling track, but to call for sweeping reforms in the way prostate cancer is detected and managed across the UK. The 49-year-old sporting icon was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2023; a diagnosis that later revealed the disease had spread to his bones, rendering it terminal.
Drawing on his personal experience, Hoy has become an advocate for earlier screening and greater awareness, particularly among those deemed at highest risk. According to NHS guidance, men over the age of 50 are statistically at the greatest risk of developing prostate cancer, but Sir Chris is urging for the threshold to be lowered in certain cases and for the process to become more proactive.
Speaking candidly about his own diagnosis, Sir Chris reflected: “When I found out I had stage four prostate cancer at the age of 47, it was already advanced. In hindsight, the cancer could have been progressing for several years before my diagnosis.” He goes on to highlight the importance of early detection, emphasising that catching prostate cancer in its early stages makes it far more treatable, and could save thousands of lives each year.
The current NHS system allows men over 50 to request a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, which can indicate the presence of prostate problems. However, these tests are not routinely offered, largely due to concerns about their reliability. Sir Chris and advocacy groups, such as Prostate Cancer UK, have criticised this approach, insisting that men at the highest risk—those with a family history or of black ethnicity—should be encouraged to discuss PSA testing with their GPs from the age of 45.
Sir Chris’s impassioned statements come as Prostate Cancer UK intensifies its campaign for a major revision of NHS guidelines, aiming to ensure that GPs take a more active role in reaching out to those who may be at increased risk. Current estimates suggest that one in eight men across the UK will develop prostate cancer at some stage in their lives. Without early intervention, the disease can quickly become life-threatening.
In an effort to raise funds and awareness, Sir Chris has also launched the “Tour de 4”, a charity cycling event set to take place in Glasgow this September. The event aims not only to challenge public perceptions of stage four cancer, but also to encourage men nationwide to take a closer interest in their health and the importance of early detection.
Laura Kerby, chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, praised Sir Chris’s candour and determination, stating: “His bravery and tireless efforts to publicise his journey have already made a tangible difference. Our online risk checker saw over 286,000 visits in just a few months as a direct result of Sir Chris sharing his story. His willingness to speak out is inspiring others to seek testing and has almost certainly saved lives.”
Despite receiving an outpouring of support from family, friends, and the broader public, Sir Chris insists that the onus of action should not rest solely on men themselves. “While I’ve tried to use my platform to get the message out, it’s not just about raising awareness. Systemic change needs to happen within the healthcare system to ensure men at risk are given every opportunity to act early,” he remarked.
As attention turns to policy change, Prostate Cancer UK continues to call upon the Health Secretary and the Department for Health and Social Care to empower GPs to have these potentially lifesaving conversations with men at risk, beginning at the age of 45, particularly those with a family history or who are part of groups known to be at elevated risk. The Department for Health and Social Care has been approached for comment, as campaigners await further response.
Sir Chris Hoy’s campaign represents a deeply personal and urgent plea for a more proactive approach to prostate cancer across the UK—one that removes unnecessary barriers and puts early detection at the heart of men’s health.