Macmillan Cancer Support has issued a warning over widespread "myths" surrounding prostate cancer, which the charity says could be preventing men from seeking vital checks. The warning comes as new estimates from the charity reveal that more than 100,000 additional men in the UK are living with the disease compared with 2020.
Rising diagnosis rates
The charity's new figures show that over 68,000 men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis every year, which represents around one diagnosis every eight minutes. This makes it the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer in the UK.
Dr Anthony Cunliffe, lead medical adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "One of the biggest misunderstandings I hear is that feeling well means you cannot have prostate cancer."
"Many people are surprised to learn that, in reality, prostate cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s important to have a conversation with your GP if you’re worried."
Symptoms to watch for
The charity explained that symptoms may not appear for many years, usually emerging only when the cancer grows large enough to put pressure on the urethra, the tube that carries urine. Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, an increased need to urinate, particularly at night, a feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied, a sudden urgency to use the toilet, and blood in the urine or semen.
Macmillan emphasised that men must speak to their GP if they experience any of these signs. Dr Cunliffe added: "Prostate cancer generally occurs in men over 50 but it can develop earlier in some groups, including black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer."
Testing and screening
Dr Cunliffe said: "As a GP, if, after discussing testing with a patient, we decide together to go ahead, then we often use a blood test called a PSA (prostate-specific antigen)."
"Some GPs may suggest an examination of the prostate, because it might give them more information, but this isn’t always necessary and declining one won’t be a barrier to having a blood test."
"So, whether someone with a prostate has symptoms or not, we would always encourage speaking to the GP for more information about prostate cancer and getting tested."
Earlier this year, the UK National Screening Committee advised against universal screening of all men with the PSA blood test, stating that it is "likely to cause more harm than good". However, experts recommended that several thousand high-risk men carrying a specific gene mutation should be screened for the disease. Officials also confirmed that a screening trial is being expanded to invite all eligible black men to participate.
Dr Cunliffe said: "While there isn’t one single reason behind the rise in prostate cancer, an ageing and growing population is a big part of the picture."
"As people live longer, more are at risk of being diagnosed, as age is one of the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer."
"We’re also getting better at diagnosing and treating cancer, meaning more people are living longer with and beyond a diagnosis. Alongside that, increased awareness is hugely beneficial, and celebrities including Chris Hoy and Jeremy Clarkson are helping to raise awareness that then encourages people to get checked."
