The prostate is a gland located underneath the bladder and produces a fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen. Prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells grow in the prostate.
It is said that around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with over 52,000 diagnoses a year.
The NHS lists the symptoms of as including:
If you have these symptoms, don’t be alarmed as they don’t always mean cancer; they can be indicative of benign prostate enlargement (BPE), a non-cancerous condition that is quite common as men get older. But you should speak to your GP if you experience any of the symptoms listed.
There are a number of tests that may be carried out to diagnose cancer or another prostate condition. These include:
PSA Blood Test. A Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the amount of protein produced by the prostate gland, high levels may be a sign of a prostate condition (not necessarily cancer). Prostate Cancer UK recommend the blood test is done prior to examination.
Digital Rectum Examination (DRE). A rectal examination, where a doctor or nurse insert a lubricated, gloved finger inside you rectum so they can feel your prostate gland and examine it for any lumps or hard spots.
MRI Scan. If your blood test indicates high levels of PSA, you may be referred for an MRI scan of your prostate and, depending on the results of this, a biopsy.
There is no routine screening for prostate cancer in the UK. However anyone with a prostate, over the age of 50, can ask for a PSA test with their GP. If you are at increased risk (see below) you may be able to get the test from the age of 45, or younger.
The risk increases as you get older, with the incidence rate in those under 50 at about 1 in 456 increasing to 1 in 11 for those over the age of 70.
Black men are at greater risk, with 1 in 4 black men being diagnosed in their lifetime.
Genetics is another risk factor; you are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it. There is also a higher risk if you have relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer.
Treatment will determine on the stage of cancer but it may include one or more of the following:
Prognosis will again depend on many factors, including the stage of the cancer. Cancer Research UK provides the below statistics:
This shows how important early detection is and why it is important to speak to GP if you have any of the symptoms.
Urology conditions you may not be aware of
Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer and Bowel Incontinence
Category
Bowel
Date
August 18, 2026
