University Celebrates 20 Years of Collaboration to Fight Prostate Cancer

Published on: 24 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 24 Sep, 2026

Prostate cancer testing has been in the national news lately after the UK government accepted national screening recommendations to reject mass routine prostate testing, opting instead for targeted high-risk screening and expanded clinical trials.

But the University of Surrey is celebrating 20 years of prostate cancer research, made possible by a collaboration with a Guildford-based charity, The partnership between the Prostate Project and the University’s Oncology Section has enabled advances in the treatment and diagnosis of the cancer.

Research areas have included the discovery of biomarkers and new approaches to immunotherapy and personalised treatment.

Senior research fellow, Dr Nicola Annels said: “What makes our team and our research so successful is the links we have with the local community, with the Royal Surrey County Hospital and crucially, our relationship with the Prostate Project, who have been with us from the start. I look forward to what we will achieve in the next 20 years!”

The University marked the anniversary with an event that brought together researchers, local dignitaries, charity partners and families affected by the disease.

The event showcased some of the research currently underway at the University. Research fellow, Dr Guy Simpson spoke about his work on developing a vaccine to prevent the recurrence of the disease. And PhD student James Thetford discussed his research into why black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as white men.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with more than 64,000 men diagnosed each year. The Prostate Project aims to improve survival by raising awareness, encouraging early diagnosis and funding research and medical technology. It is known for its “Man Van”, which tours Guildford and surrounding areas offering free, on-the-spot prostate screening.

Prostate Project Man Van

The mobile clinic uses PSA blood testing and offers a quick and flexible way to get tested.

Martin Davies

The Guildford-based charity also supports cancer services across Royal Surrey County Hospital, St Luke’s Cancer Centre and Frimley Park Hospital, alongside research at the University of Surrey.

Martin Davies, chairman of the Prostate Project, said of the anniversary event : “It was a pleasure to welcome so many friends, including some of our corporate supporters, long time donors, fundraisers and members of the research teams to help us celebrate this remarkable anniversary.

“The Prostate Project co-funded the establishment of cancer research at the University of Surrey in 2006, and seeing it develop so successfully over the past twenty years has been a source of great pride to everyone involved with the charity.”