New research by University of Manchester using GFCT test results data highlights the power of community-based PSA testing in prostate cancer risk detection. 

Article: Charity-Provided Community-Based PSA Testing for Assessment of Prostate Cancer Risk in the UK: Clinical Implications and Future Opportunities 

By Artitaya Lophatananon, Graham Fulford, Jon Young, Susan Hart, Matthew Brine and Kenneth R. Muir. 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men across the UK—but without a national screening program, many cases go undetected until it’s too late. At the GFCT, we’ve spent years working to close that gap by bringing PSA testing directly into communities, helping tens of thousands of men understand their risk earlier. 

Now, a groundbreaking new study, conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Manchester, has analysed the impact of our approach and confirmed what we’ve long believed: community-based PSA testing can make a real difference. 

What the study found: 

The research, published in Cancers by MDPI, looked at GFCT-collected data from 2021 to 2024. It evaluated the effectiveness of our “traffic light” PSA risk system, which uses age-adjusted thresholds to categorise men as:

Green – Low risk

Amber – Intermediate risk

Red – High risk

The findings were striking. Men in the red risk group were more than 15 times more likely to have clinically significant prostate cancer (Grade Group 3 or higher) compared to those in the green group.

How our model compares:

The study also compared our system to a more complex tool called the Riskman score, which includes additional biomarkers like the PSA free-to-total ratio. While Riskman showed a slightly higher accuracy score (AUC of 0.84 compared to GFCT's 0.76), our traffic light model held its own, especially considering it's simple, cost-effective, and easy to implement at scale.

What this means for the future:

Our charity now conducts over 50,000 PSA tests each year at community events across the UK. As we continue to evolve, we're expanding our model to include reflex biomarker testing and GP follow-up options, supporting more personalised, informed decisions.

This study underscores an important truth: while GFCT's testing model isn't a substitute for a national screening program, it complements major research efforts like the UK TRANSFORM trial and demonstrates the huge potential of low-cost, accessible testing to catch high-risk cases early.

A Personal Milestone

We’re proud that two of our trustees, Susan Hart and Graham Fulford, co-authored this important study. Their commitment continues to drive our mission forward—bringing earlier detection, better outcomes, and greater peace of mind to thousands of families.

Together, we’re proving that community-based testing is a powerful tool in the fight against prostate cancer.

Full article attached.

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