Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which sits just below the bladder, and most commonly occurs in men over the age of 50. There are several treatment options available, and the disease can often be cured when diagnosed early. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 1 in 8 men developing it during their lifetime.
The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis, found only in men. It is about the size of a walnut and located beneath the bladder. Across adults in the UK, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer overall and the most common cancer affecting men.
PROSTATE CANCER IN OUR AREA
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in the North West, with 1,495 cases per 100,000 people. Cumbria faces a particularly significant challenge, with a prevalence rate 10% higher than the national average. The only other county in the region to exceed the national benchmark is Cheshire, which is two percentage points above the England average.
In North Wales, prostate cancer incidence is 12% higher than the national rate. Every county except Wrexham reports above‑average incidence. Communities in Anglesey and Denbighshire are especially affected, with incidence rates 35% and 22% higher than the national average, respectively.
SYMPTOMS
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms usually appear only when the prostate becomes large enough to press on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
When this happens, you may notice:
difficulty peeing or straining to pee
weak flow of urine
"stop-start" peeing
needing to pee more often, especially at night
sudden, urgent need to pee
a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
Less common symptoms can include: erectile dysfunction, blood in your urine or semen, lower back pain, and unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms should not be ignored. However, they do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer and may be caused by other conditions.
See a GP if:
you're over 50, come from a Black ethnic background, or have a family history of prostate cancer and are worried about your risk
you're having difficulty peeing or experiencing other symptoms related to prostate cancer
CAUSES
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, and most cases occur in men aged 50 or over. Anyone with a prostate can develop prostate cancer.
Your risk is higher if you are from a Black ethnic background or have a family history of prostate cancer. You may also be at increased risk if a close relative has had breast or ovarian cancer, as these conditions can be linked to the same inherited genes.
DIAGNOSIS
There is no single test for prostate cancer. The tests used to help diagnose the condition each have benefits and risks. The most commonly used tests include:
PSA Blood Test
A prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in the blood and can help detect early prostate problems, including cancer. However, PSA results can sometimes be unreliable, which is why men are not routinely screened for prostate cancer. Men aged 50 and over can request a PSA test from their GP.
If you have a raised PSA level, you may be offered an MRI scan to help doctors decide whether you need further tests or treatment.
TREATMENT
Treatment isn’t always needed straight away. If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, you may be offered watchful waiting or active surveillance. These approaches involve regular check‑ups so your team can keep an eye on the cancer while helping you avoid side effects from treatment unless they’re needed.
If treatment is required, common options include:
Surgery to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy)
Radiotherapy, sometimes combined with hormone therapy, which helps slow the cancer’s growth
Some cancers are diagnosed at a later stage, when they’ve spread beyond the prostate. In these cases, treatment focuses on controlling the cancer, easing symptoms, and helping you live longer. This may include radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.
In certain situations, newer treatments such as high‑intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or cryotherapy may also be offered, although these are not routine for everyone.
If you have any concerns about the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, please visit your GP.