Recent prostate cancer diagnoses shared by public figures, including Jeremy Clarkson, Stephen Fry, Bill Turnbull, Kenny Logan, and Sir David Cameron, have helped raise awareness of a disease that affects thousands of men across the UK every year. While every diagnosis is personal, the conversations they have sparked serve as an important reminder: understanding your risk and seeking advice early can make a real difference.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, but when detected early, it is often highly treatable. One of the biggest challenges is that it frequently causes no symptoms in its early stages, making awareness of your risk particularly important.
Understanding prostate health
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms an essential part of the male reproductive system. As a key factor in long-term male health, it is important to understand the gland’s function and to remain vigilant regarding any changes as they age.
Who is at risk?
Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases if you:
- Are over the age of 50
- Have a father, brother, or son with a history of prostate cancer
- Are of Black ethnicity
- Have certain inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, which are also associated with some breast and ovarian cancers
Having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop prostate cancer, but it does mean it’s worth discussing your prostate health with a healthcare professional.
What symptoms should you look out for?
It’s important to remember that early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
- Feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
These symptoms are often caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, but a healthcare professional should always assess them.
Understanding the PSA test
A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test can help identify men who may need further investigation. However, a raised PSA does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, and a normal PSA doesn’t always rule it out.
A PSA test is an important tool, but it is not a test for prostate cancer on its own. Your result is interpreted alongside your age, symptoms, family history, and clinical assessment to determine whether further investigations are needed.
If appropriate, these investigations may include an MRI scan and, in some cases, a prostate biopsy.
When should you seek advice?
If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms, have concerns about your prostate health, or are at increased risk, it’s worth seeking medical advice. Early assessment can provide reassurance or enable prompt diagnosis and treatment if required.
At The Wye Clinic, our One Stop Prostate Service offers rapid access to a consultant urologist, with expert assessment and prompt investigations where appropriate – helping you get answers without unnecessary delays.
If you’re concerned about your prostate health or would like to understand your risk, our experienced team is here to help.