Technology can help in prostate cancer battle, guest blog by Forrit CEO and founder Peter Proud

When I was diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer, it was a life-changing moment. Like many men, I had no symptoms and only discovered the disease through routine work medicals. Thankfully, early detection meant my treatment was successful. But for thousands of men, the story is very different. Today, 25% - 33% of prostate cancer cases in Scotland are diagnosed at stage 4, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are drastically lower. My mission is to work with Prostate Scotland to help reduce that figure to 10% over the next ten years, and I believe technology can help make it happen.

As CEO and founder of Forrit, a company specialising in digital transformation and AI-driven solutions, I see first-hand how data and innovation can solve complex problems. Healthcare is no exception. The challenge is clear: men are not being diagnosed early enough. The reasons range from lack of awareness to limited access to screening. But what if we could use digital tools to change behaviour, improve education, and make proactive health checks the norm?

Turning data into action

AI thrives on data, and prostate cancer detection is no different. By partnering with healthcare providers, charities, and research organisations, we can create platforms that analyse risk factors including, age, family history, ethnicity and deliver personalised reminders and educational content. Imagine an app that nudges men to book a PSA test, tracks their results, and connects them to support networks. This isn’t science fiction; Following discussions with Dr Iaonna Nixon, Consultant Clinician Oncologist, and prostate cancer specialist, she educated me how behavioural science and current digital tools makes this all achievable with the technology we have today.

Breaking down barriers

One of the biggest hurdles is stigma. Men often avoid conversations about their health. Digital engagement can change that. Interactive campaigns powered by AI can target individuals with tailored messages, using language and imagery that resonate. With modern cloud-based solutions, it is easy to build systems that manage complex content securely and at scale, perfect for national awareness campaigns that need to reach millions while respecting privacy.

Predictive analytics for prevention

Beyond awareness, AI can help predict who is most at risk. By integrating anonymised health data, machine learning models can identify patterns and flag individuals who should seek testing sooner. This proactive approach could dramatically reduce late-stage diagnoses, saving lives and reducing strain on healthcare systems. Dr Ioanna Nixon, Consultant Clinical

A personal commitment

My experience has taught me the value of early detection. It also gave me a purpose: to ensure fewer men face the fear and uncertainty of a stage 4 diagnosis. By combining Scotland’s digital expertise, with the power of AI, amazing clinicians like Dr Ioanna Nixon, and charities like Prostate Scotland, it is possible to create solutions that educate, engage, and empower. The goal is ambitious, cutting late-stage diagnoses from 25%/33% to 10%,but with collaboration and innovation, it’s within reach.

Prostate cancer does not have to be a silent killer. Technology can give men a voice, a choice, and a chance. And that is a future worth fighting for.