Prostate cancer has now become the most common form of cancer in the UK. Findings, based on the latest NHS data, show that more men are being diagnosed than ever before. This has prompted fresh calls for better awareness and earlier checks.

Prostate cancer has now emerged as the most prevalent cancer in the UK, surpassing traditionally more common types such as breast, lung, and bowel cancers. Recent NHS data highlights a worrying trend: more men are being diagnosed than ever before, sparking renewed calls for increased awareness and earlier screening efforts.

Experts say several factors are behind the rise, including improved awareness, a higher number of men coming forward for tests, and delays caused by the Covid pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Despite the growing numbers, routine NHS screening is not currently offered. Government advisers rejected proposals for a blanket screening programme last year, even though early diagnosis gives men the best chance of cure. 

Experts attribute this rise to a combination of factors, including greater public awareness and an increased willingness among men to undergo testing. Additionally, the delays in medical consultations and cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 have played a role in this increase.

Despite these alarming statistics, routine NHS screening for prostate cancer is not currently offered. This decision follows a government advisory panel’s rejection last year of proposals for a nationwide screening programme. Yet, early diagnosis is crucial, as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Alarmingly, around 12,000 men annually are diagnosed too late for curative treatment, underscoring a critical gap in early detection efforts. Prostate Cancer UK has raised concerns that too many men are missing the opportunity for early intervention, emphasizing the need for a strategic shift in how prostate cancer is approached in the healthcare system.

“It’s unacceptable that the full weight of responsibility still falls on men to understand their risk and talk to their GP.”

Men over 50, black men, and those with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer are at higher risk. 

Working-class men and black men are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage.

Campaigns led by high-profile figures such as Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Stephen Fry and darts champion Luke Humphries have helped raise awareness.

The NHS recently approved a new treatment in England that is expected to save more than 500 lives a year. 

Sir Chris Hoy, who is living with incurable prostate cancer, urged men to act early. He said: “Prostate cancer is curable if found early. 

“That’s why it’s vital we get the message out to men to think about their risk and to talk to their GP about a simple blood test to check. That way we’ll get more men with prostate cancer diagnosed earlier, and we’ll save thousands more lives.”

Most men with early prostate cancer do not notice any symptoms, which is why understanding personal risk is so important. When changes do appear, they can include:

• Difficulty starting to urinate
• A weak flow or feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
• Dribbling after urinating
• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
• A sudden urge to urinate, sometimes leading to leaks

These issues are also often caused by an enlarged prostate, which is common and non-cancerous, but they should still be checked by a GP.

Who should get checked?

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are aged 50 or over
• Are Black
• Have a close male relative who has had prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer UK encourages men to assess their risk using its online checker at prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker. GPs can discuss symptoms, risk factors and the tests used to diagnose the disease.