1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. If you are over 45, or you are black, or a member of your family has had it, you are at even higher risk.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. However, it is not always life threatening if detected early. Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. The earlier it is detected the more likely it can be treated.
Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms. The earlier it is diagnosed the more chance of successful treatment. That's why it's important to know your risk.
The risk factors:
- Being male, over 45
- Having black or mixed black ethnicity
- Having a family history of prostate cancer (father or brother)
Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men. In the UK, about 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it’s located between the penis and the bladder, and surrounds the urethra.
When looking at ways to detect prostate cancer, there is a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The test measures the level of PSA and may help detect early prostate cancer. If you have 2 out of the 3 factors listed above speak to your GP.
Find out more:
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors | Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK