Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

In the UK, about 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. It is the most common cancer among men in the UK. For Black men the rate is 1 in 4.  

If you are a trans woman or are non-binary assigned male at birth, you also need to be aware of prostate cancer and its symptoms.

About prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a common cancer which starts in the cells of the prostate.

The prostate is a small gland that is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum (back passage).

Prostate cancer symptoms

You may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. It is only when the cancer is large enough to press on the tube that carries the urine from the bladder (urethra) that symptoms can occur.

These include:

• Needing to pee more often than usual, especially at night

• Difficulty peeing – for example, a weak flow or having to strain to start peeing

• Feeling like you have not completely emptied your bladder

• Straining or taking a long time while peeing

• Needing to rush to the toilet

• Blood in urine or blood in semen

Sometimes the symptoms of benign (non-cancerous) prostate conditions and prostate cancer are similar. If you have prostate cancer symptoms, it is important to have them checked by your doctor.

Your GP can do tests to find out if you need a referral to a specialist doctor.

More information regarding prostate cancer, the symptoms of prostate cancer, and information surrounding risk factors can be accessed via the Prostate Cancer UK website: Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK

Check your risk in 30 seconds

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. And if you’re over 50, or you’re Black, or you have a family history of the disease, then your risk is even higher.

But the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. And the first step is to check your risk