Nine in ten people want a prostate cancer screening programme a major poll has revealed on the eve of a crunch decision.
The UK National Screening Committee will meet tomorrow to consider the latest evidence on the costs and benefits before issuing a highly anticipated recommendation.
It comes as a new survey of 3,000 UK adults shows 90 per cent want members to back the life-saving initiative, describing it as 'important'.
This includes 62 per cent who say rolling out routine checks to help catch the disease early when it is easier to treat is 'very important'.
Women with sons and grandsons were among the strongest supporters.
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with 63,000 cases and 12,000 deaths each year - but unlike breast, bowel and lung cancer, there is currently no national screening programme.
The Daily Mail is campaigning to end needless prostate cancer deaths and for a national prostate cancer screening programme, initially targeted at high risk men, such as those who are black, have a family history of the disease or particular genetic mutations.
Health secretary Wes Streeting has vowed to launch a screening programme 'quickly' if the panel of expert advisors back the move.
He told MPs on Tuesday he will study the conclusions 'carefully' and thrash out the arguments to 'reach the right way forward'.
Although ministers typically follow the panel's recommendations, they are not compelled to do so, meaning he could proceed to a launch even if they oppose it.
The OnePoll survey, commissioned by Prostate Cancer Research, found support is strongest among older people, rising to 95 per cent among those aged 65 and over.
Only 37 per cent of respondents knew there is currently no screening programme, 40 per cent said the Government is performing 'badly' on improving early diagnosis of cancer and 63 per cent say it is 'not doing enough' to reduce health inequalities.
The public is in favour of a screening programme that initially targets men at highest risk, in line with the Daily Mail's campaign.
Four in five (80 per cent) support this approach and only 4 per cent oppose the idea.
Prostate cancer screening was supported by people across the political spectrum, the poll found, underlining the 'political risk' of ignoring public sentiment on the issue, Prostate Cancer Research said.
David James, director of patient projects and influencing at the charity, added: 'The public could not be clearer.
'People want action on prostate cancer, and they want it now.
'When nine in ten adults say screening is important, decision-makers must listen.
'The opinion of the public is not the only factor in shaping health policy, but it is a vital one - and it cannot be ignored.
'Far too many families have watched a father, partner or son be diagnosed too late.
'Introducing screening - starting with the men at highest risk - would save lives and stop this tragedy being repeated.
'The country is ready for this. It's time for the UK to act.'
More than 120 MPs signed a letter that former prime minister Rishi Sunak delivered to Mr Streeting on Monday, saying a prostate cancer screening programme would be a 'legacy-defining advance for men's health'
A major study last month found screening men for prostate cancer slashes their risk of dying from the disease by 13 per cent, with one such death prevented for every 456 men checked - a figure that is comparable to existing breast and bowel cancer screening programmes.
Former prime minister David Cameron revealed on Sunday that he has been treated for prostate as he gave his public backing to a national screening programme.
