PROSTATE Cancer UK has today announced Alastair Lukies CBE as Chair of the charity’s new Development Board, a strategic group of leaders dedicated to accelerating fundraising efforts and driving progress towards a world where no man dies from prostate cancer.

The highly respected entrepreneur will work with the leading men’s health charity to secure the resources needed to revolutionise early diagnosis, unlock research to discover better treatments and secure funding for support services for men and loved ones.

A trailblazer and influential force in the financial technology sector, Alastair founded the mobile banking company Monitise in 2003 and, in 2007, led its demerger from Morse and listing on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market. During his tenure as CEO, Monitise grew to a market capitalisation of $2 billion and employed 1,700 staff across four continents.

He is currently the Chief Engagement Officer and Global Advisory Board Chairman for Endava, one of the UK’s leading business transformation and AI integration groups, Founder and Chair of Pollinate International, and Chairman of the Fintech Alliance. Previously, Alastair was a Member of the Prime Minister’s Business Council and was appointed as a Business Ambassador by David Cameron in 2014.

His appointment comes at a critical time for the charity. Not only is prostate cancer the most common cancer in men, but it has also now become the most common cancer in England. Latest data analysis1 released by the charity in January showed the number of diagnoses for prostate cancer surpassed those of breast cancer for two years in a row, increasing by 25% between 2019 and 2023.

Over 50,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and 12,000 a year lose their lives to the disease. Prostate Cancer UK is working to drive vital and urgent change here, investing millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care, campaigning to get more men a lifesaving earlier diagnosis, and providing expert advice and support to men affected.

But today, prostate cancer remains the most common cancer without a screening programme. Last year the charity launched its £42 million TRANSFORM trial- the most ambitious of its kind- to determine how best to deliver screening for all men that saves lives. The charity has also led a consortium of men’s health charities to collectively challenge the National Screening Committee (NSC) to implement targeted screening for those at highest risk, with a decision on screening in the UK expected later this year.

Alastair Lukies commented: “It’s an honour and a privilege to join Prostate Cancer UK as Chair of the Development Board. From prostate cancer becoming the most common cancer in England, to a spate of high-profile diagnoses including that of President Biden, this year alone has shown the urgent need for bold, innovative action on one of the biggest health risks men face. I’m committed to helping unlock the funding and partnerships needed to fuel life-changing research, speed up early diagnosis, and ensure no man faces this disease without support. This is a moment for us to be ambitious because men’s lives are on the line.”

Prostate Cancer UK Chief Executive Laura Kerby said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alastair to this exciting new role at Prostate Cancer UK and look forward to working together. His passion for making a lasting impact for men and those who love them, combined with his strategic insight, extensive networks and business acumen, make him an outstanding addition to our team at a crucial time in our charity’s history.

“One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and the earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat. Despite this, prostate cancer still has no national screening programme and GPs remain bound by outdated NHS guidance that fails men at highest risk. We’re calling for urgent change to create a fairer and more equitable system. We’re asking the Government to update NHS guidelines so GPs can proactively start conversations about prostate cancer with men at highest risk from the age of 45, and we urgently awaiting the outcome of the National Screening Committee’s decision that has been years in the making.

“Our Development Board, led by Alastair, will be critical in unlocking a better future for our dads, brothers, sons and mates. It will enable us to fund more pioneering research, like our TRANSFORM trial, deliver more personalised support to men and their families, and drive a step-change in early diagnosis that will save more men’s lives. We embrace facing the challenges ahead and look forward to making a positive impact for generations to come.”

Prostate Cancer UK Chair of the Board of Trustees Doris Olulode Said: “We are delighted to welcome Alastair Lukies CBE as Chair of our Development Board. His leadership, deep commitment to creating positive impact for men, and track record of innovation will be invaluable as we advance our mission. I have no doubt that Alastair’s insight and energy will help us build an even stronger future, and we look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead.”

The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. But early-stage prostate cancer often does not have symptoms. That’s why it’s important for men to know their risk, and what they can choose to do about it. Check your risk in 30 seconds with Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker: prostatecanceruk.org/risk