Prostate Cancer Test: Thousands of Men to Receive Stockholm3 Screening Used in Jeremy Clarkson’s Diagnosis

A new prostate cancer testing study could give thousands of men access to the Stockholm3 blood test, the test reportedly used as part of the investigation that led to television presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s prostate cancer diagnosis.

The test is being offered as part of a major initiative aimed at improving the detection of prostate cancer, particularly cancers that may be more aggressive and require earlier treatment.

The development has attracted attention because prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in the UK. Campaigners and health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of understanding personal risk and seeking medical advice when symptoms or concerns arise.

What is the Stockholm3 prostate cancer test?

The Stockholm3 test, sometimes written as Stockholm3 or STHLM3, is a blood-based test designed to help assess a man's risk of having clinically significant prostate cancer.

Unlike a traditional PSA test, the Stockholm3 test combines several different types of information. According to the report, this includes blood markers, genetic information and a man's medical history.

The aim is to provide doctors with a more detailed assessment than PSA testing alone.

The PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, test is currently one of the commonly used blood tests when prostate cancer is suspected. However, an elevated PSA level does not automatically mean a man has cancer. PSA can also increase because of other prostate conditions.

This means additional testing may be needed before doctors can determine whether cancer is present.

Why is the new prostate cancer study important?

The initiative could provide the Stockholm3 test to up to 10,000 men aged between 45 and 74 at a discounted cost of £99.

A further 2,000 men on lower incomes are reportedly due to receive the test free through the NHS as part of the programme.

The test would normally cost considerably more when obtained privately, with the article stating that the price can be around £500 at a private clinic.

The study could therefore give researchers valuable information about whether the Stockholm3 test can improve prostate cancer detection and help identify potentially aggressive disease earlier.

Early detection can be particularly important because prostate cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

Jeremy Clarkson's prostate cancer diagnosis

Jeremy Clarkson, best known for programmes including Top Gear and Clarkson's Farm, has spoken publicly about his experience with prostate cancer.

According to the source article, Clarkson was diagnosed after a positive result from the Stockholm3 test followed an earlier warning from a routine blood test.

The television personality subsequently underwent surgery and later revealed that he was in remission.

His diagnosis has contributed to wider public discussion about prostate cancer testing and the importance of men paying attention to their health.

However, a celebrity diagnosis should not be taken as evidence that every man needs the same test. Decisions about prostate cancer screening and testing should be based on an individual's age, symptoms, medical history and personal risk factors.

Prostate cancer symptoms to look out for

One of the challenges with prostate cancer is that early-stage disease may not cause obvious symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they can include changes in urination, such as:

• Difficulty starting to urinate
• A weak or interrupted urine flow
• Feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied
• Needing to urinate more frequently
• Getting up several times during the night to urinate
• A sudden or urgent need to urinate
• Dribbling after urination

Importantly, these symptoms do not necessarily mean a man has prostate cancer.

An enlarged prostate is extremely common as men get older and can cause many of the same urinary symptoms. An enlarged prostate is not cancerous, but changes in urination should still be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Who is at greater risk of prostate cancer?

Age is one of the most significant risk factors for prostate cancer. The disease is particularly common in older men.

A family history can also increase risk. Men whose close relatives have had prostate cancer may need to discuss their individual risk with their GP.

Being Black is another recognised risk factor. Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared with men from some other ethnic groups, and the disease can also develop at a younger age.

For these reasons, men should not rely solely on symptoms to determine whether they should seek advice.

If you are concerned about prostate cancer because of your age, family history, ethnicity or symptoms, speak to your GP. They can explain the available testing options and help determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

There is no single test that can diagnose every case of prostate cancer.

Doctors may use a combination of information, which can include a PSA blood test, medical history, physical examination, scans and, where appropriate, a biopsy.

The PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. A raised PSA level can be associated with prostate cancer, but it can also occur for several non-cancerous reasons.

Newer tests such as Stockholm3 are intended to provide additional information that could help doctors assess cancer risk more accurately.

The important point is that a blood test alone does not necessarily confirm prostate cancer. If a test produces a concerning result, further medical investigation may be required.

Why early detection matters

Prostate cancer is often treatable, particularly when it is diagnosed before it has spread outside the prostate.

However, prostate cancer varies significantly from one person to another. Some cancers grow slowly and may never cause serious problems, while others can be more aggressive.

This is why researchers are interested in tests that could help distinguish between different levels of risk.

A test that can identify men who are more likely to have clinically significant disease could potentially help doctors decide who needs further investigation.

The Stockholm3 study is therefore significant not simply because it involves a new blood test, but because researchers are investigating whether a different approach could improve the way prostate cancer is detected.

Chris Hoy highlights the importance of prostate cancer awareness

Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy has also raised awareness of prostate cancer after being diagnosed with an advanced form of the disease.

His public discussions about living with cancer have helped draw attention to the importance of men's health and cancer awareness.

His experience, alongside high-profile diagnoses such as Clarkson's, has contributed to increased public interest in prostate cancer testing.

Nevertheless, men should seek advice from qualified medical professionals rather than relying on stories about individual celebrities when deciding whether to undergo testing.

What should men do now?

Men who are worried about prostate cancer should speak to their GP rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Your doctor can assess your personal risk and explain whether a PSA test or other investigation may be appropriate.

If you notice persistent changes in urination, do not automatically assume they are caused by cancer. However, they should not be ignored either.

Understanding your personal risk, knowing the possible symptoms and discussing concerns with a healthcare professional can all play an important role in looking after prostate health.

The new Stockholm3 study could provide further evidence about whether advanced blood testing can improve the detection of potentially aggressive prostate cancer.

For thousands of men taking part, it may also provide an opportunity to learn more about their individual prostate cancer risk.

Key takeaway

The Stockholm3 prostate cancer test is a blood-based assessment that combines biomarkers, genetic information and medical history. Its use in a large study involving thousands of men could help researchers determine whether it offers advantages over conventional PSA testing when assessing prostate cancer risk.

Men should remember that prostate cancer can develop without obvious symptoms. Anyone concerned about their risk should speak to their GP for personalised medical advice.

Source: The Sun, published September 10, 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent prostate cancer and should not replace advice from a GP, urologist or other qualified healthcare professional. Testing decisions should be made according to individual circumstances and medical advice. Prices, eligibility criteria and availability of the Stockholm3 test may change, so readers should check with the relevant healthcare provider or study organisers for the latest information.