Prostate Cancer: Key Symptoms, Risk Factors, and What Every Man Should Know

Prostate Cancer: What Every Man Needs to Know

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men in the United Kingdom, with approximately 55,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Statistically, one in every eight men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime — a figure that doubles to one in four for Black men.

Understanding the Prostate Gland

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located just beneath the bladder, nestled within the pelvis. It encircles the urethra — the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder through the penis and out of the body. Its position means that any abnormal growth in this gland can directly affect urinary function.

How Prostate Cancer Develops

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate begin to multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. In many cases, the disease progresses slowly, and some men may live for years without experiencing any noticeable symptoms. In certain individuals, the cancer never causes significant health problems at all.

However, the disease can also take a more aggressive form, becoming life-threatening if left undetected or untreated. According to Cancer Research UK, prostate cancer claims around 12,200 lives every year in the UK. Early detection remains the most effective way to improve treatment outcomes.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While prostate cancer can affect any man, certain groups face a significantly elevated risk:

• Age – The disease is most common in men over 75. Cases in men under 50 are relatively rare.
• Ethnicity – Black men face twice the average risk, with a one in four lifetime chance of diagnosis.
• Family history – Having a close male relative — such as a father, brother, grandfather, or uncle — who has had prostate cancer raises your personal risk considerably.
• Genetics – Men who carry a BRCA2 gene variant and have a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer are at particularly high risk.

For a quick initial assessment, Prostate Cancer UK offers a free 30-second online risk checker. Men who believe they may be at elevated risk are strongly encouraged to speak with their GP.

Recognising the Warning Signs

One of the challenges with prostate cancer is that it often produces no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include changes in urinary habits, discomfort during urination, or other pelvic issues. It is important to note that these symptoms can also result from other, less serious conditions — but any persistent changes should be assessed by a doctor without delay.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

There is currently no single definitive test for prostate cancer. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of the following:

PSA Blood Test

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test measures the level of a particular protein in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by infection or other non-cancerous conditions. This means a raised PSA result does not automatically confirm cancer.

Men over the age of 50 can generally request a PSA test through their GP. Before undergoing the test, patients are advised to avoid sexual activity and vigorous exercise — such as cycling — for at least 48 hours, as these activities can influence results.

Scans and Biopsy

Doctors may also recommend an MRI scan to gain a clearer picture of the prostate. If abnormalities are detected, a biopsy — the removal of a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis — may be carried out to confirm whether cancer is present. Researchers are also actively exploring whether combining MRI scans with PSA testing could lead to more accurate diagnoses.

Screening: Who Qualifies?

Prostate cancer remains the only major cancer in the UK without a national screening programme. This is largely because the existing blood test carries risks — it can miss aggressive cancers while also detecting slow-growing tumours that may never require treatment, potentially leading to unnecessary interventions.

In May 2026, UK ministers endorsed a recommendation from the National Screening Committee that routine screening should be limited to a small, clearly defined high-risk group. Specifically, men who carry the BRCA2 gene variant and have a relevant family history of cancer will be invited for a PSA blood test every two years between the ages of 45 and 61. This is expected to apply to several thousand men annually, many of whom are already being monitored through NHS genetics clinics.

A separate ongoing trial is also inviting tens of thousands of Black men aged 45 to 74 for prostate checks, as researchers seek better and more equitable methods of detecting the disease.

High-profile advocates, including professional cyclist Sir Chris Hoy — who has publicly disclosed that his own prostate cancer diagnosis is terminal — have championed broader access to regular testing for at-risk men.

What Should You Do?

If you are concerned about your prostate health, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Speak to your GP, use Prostate Cancer UK's online risk checker, and stay informed. Early detection saves lives.