The number of men living with prostate cancer in the United Kingdom has increased by approximately 100,000 since 2020, according to recent figures. Macmillan Cancer Support estimates that over 68,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, equating to one diagnosis every eight minutes.
The charity's data indicates that around 600,000 men are currently living with prostate cancer, a significant rise from the estimated 500,000 recorded about six years prior. Prostate cancer is identified as the most common cancer in Britain.
Macmillan Cancer Support warns that misconceptions about the disease may be hindering men from seeking medical advice. Dr. Anthony Cunliffe, the charity's lead medical adviser, stated that a common misunderstanding is the belief that feeling well prevents prostate cancer. He emphasized that early-stage prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, making it crucial for individuals to consult their general practitioner (GP) if they have concerns.
Symptoms, which can take years to manifest, typically appear when the cancer grows large enough to exert pressure on the urethra. These include difficulties with urination, increased frequency of urination, particularly at night, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, urinary urgency, and the presence of blood in urine or semen.
Prostate cancer commonly affects men over 50, but it can also develop earlier in certain groups, including black men and those with a family history of the disease. GPs often use a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to aid diagnosis, sometimes in conjunction with a physical examination, though the latter is not always required for testing. Macmillan Cancer Support encourages all men to discuss testing and information about prostate cancer with their GP, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
This rise in cases comes in the wake of a recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee in May against universal PSA blood testing for all men, citing concerns that it could cause more harm than good. However, experts have advised that a select group of a few thousand high-risk men with specific genetic mutations should undergo screening. Additionally, a prostate cancer screening trial is being expanded to include all eligible black men. The Daily Mail is reportedly campaigning for the prevention of prostate cancer deaths and advocates for screening for high-risk individuals.