When David Cameron sat down on the ITV 'This Morning' broadcastLiverpool Cathedral on November 24, 2025, he didn’t come to talk about Brexit or austerity. He came to talk about a blood test — and how it might have saved his life. The former David Cameron, who led the United Kingdom as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016, revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer — and had already beaten it. No symptoms. No warning. Just a nudge from his wife and a simple blood test.
How a Wife’s Hunch Changed Everything
It wasn’t a routine check-up that caught it. It wasn’t a physical. It was a radio interview Samantha Cameron, 52, heard while doing the dishes. She didn’t know the details, but something stuck. Later that week, she told David: “You should get tested.” He laughed. He felt fine. But he went. And that’s when everything changed. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a basic blood screening, showed elevated levels. Follow-up scans confirmed cancer. The tumor was small, localized — and entirely asymptomatic. “I had no symptoms whatsoever,” Cameron told hosts Gyles Brandreth and Camilla Tominey. “That’s the scary part. You just feel normal.”The Robotic Surgery That Saved Him
Cameron’s treatment was cutting-edge. Doctors didn’t remove his entire prostate. Instead, they used robotic-assisted, focused radiation and precise surgical tools to target only the cancerous tissue. “It was a pretty simple operation there, robotic,” he said, calling the technology “amazing.” Recovery took weeks, not months. By mid-November, he was cleared — cancer-free. His case isn’t rare. In fact, it’s becoming more common as treatments improve. But here’s the catch: most men don’t get tested until it’s too late. The NHS doesn’t offer routine PSA screening for all men over 50. It’s offered on a case-by-case basis, after discussion with a GP. That’s what Cameron called “a gamble.”
A Call for Systemic Change
When Camilla Tominey asked if he believed in a national screening program, Cameron didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. I think you’d struggle to find a doctor in the land who wouldn’t agree that we absolutely 100% need a screening program for prostate cancer.” That statement sent ripples through the medical community. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men. One in eight will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Yet, only about 20% of men over 50 get tested regularly. The death rate? Higher than breast cancer in women. And yet, when caught early — like Cameron’s — survival rates hover near 100%. Brandreth, who’s known Cameron since the 1980s, added context: “He’s always been pragmatic. But this? This is personal. And that’s what makes it powerful.”Why This Matters Beyond One Man’s Story
Cameron’s disclosure isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a policy trigger. The Department of Health and Social Care is already under pressure to review its screening guidelines. Advocacy groups like Prostate Cancer UK have been pushing for a national program since 2018. Cameron’s testimony gives them political weight. Other countries have acted. Sweden and Finland offer targeted PSA screening for men aged 50–70. The results? A 30% drop in prostate cancer deaths over a decade. The UK? Still debating. Cameron’s timing is no accident. With Rishi Sunak’s government facing scrutiny over NHS backlogs and delayed cancer care, this isn’t just a health story. It’s a political one. And it’s coming at a moment when public trust in healthcare systems is fragile.
What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
Cameron didn’t say when he’d speak again. But he didn’t need to. His message was clear: don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t assume you’re fine. Get tested. Health experts say the next 6–12 months will be critical. If the Department of Health and Social Care doesn’t launch a pilot screening program by summer 2026, the pressure will grow — from MPs, from media, and from families who’ve lost fathers, brothers, and husbands too soon. Meanwhile, Cameron is back to walking his dogs, playing with his kids, and quietly urging men to do what he almost didn’t: take that test.Frequently Asked Questions
How common is prostate cancer in the UK, and who’s most at risk?
Prostate cancer affects one in eight UK men in their lifetime, with risk rising sharply after age 50. Black men and those with a family history are at higher risk. In 2024, over 55,000 new cases were diagnosed, and nearly 12,000 men died from it — making it the second-deadliest cancer in men after lung cancer.
Why doesn’t the NHS offer routine PSA screening?
The NHS avoids universal PSA screening because the test can give false positives — leading to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety. It also detects slow-growing cancers that may never cause harm. But critics argue that with modern risk stratification and targeted follow-ups, the benefits far outweigh the risks — especially since early detection saves lives, as Cameron’s case shows.
What does ‘robotic surgery’ for prostate cancer actually mean?
It refers to robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, where surgeons control tiny instruments via a console to remove tumors with extreme precision. Unlike traditional removal of the entire prostate, this method targets only cancerous tissue, reducing side effects like incontinence and impotence. The technology has been available in UK hospitals since 2015 but remains underused due to funding gaps.
How soon should men get tested for prostate cancer?
Men over 50 should discuss PSA testing with their GP. Those with a family history or of African descent should consider starting at 45. The test takes five minutes. No preparation is needed. If results are elevated, further scans — not immediate surgery — follow. Early detection doesn’t mean over-treatment; it means informed choice.
What’s the difference between PSA screening and a digital rectal exam?
PSA is a blood test measuring protein levels linked to prostate activity — it’s sensitive but not specific. The digital rectal exam (DRE) involves a physical check of the prostate’s size and texture by a doctor. Neither is perfect alone. Together, they improve accuracy. Many men avoid DRE due to discomfort — but PSA is non-invasive and increasingly accessible.
Could David Cameron’s disclosure lead to policy change?
Absolutely. As a former Prime Minister, his voice carries political weight. With NHS waiting lists for cancer care at record highs, his call for screening could force the Department of Health and Social Care to fast-track a pilot program. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has already signaled openness to review — and public pressure is mounting.
