Spot prostate cancer early
Take charge
On this page you’ll find possible signs of prostate cancer, tips for telling your doctor if something’s not quite right, and some facts about the PSA test.
If you’ve spotted something unusual, remember you’re in charge of your health. In most cases it won’t be cancer – but it’s always best to get it checked by your doctor.
Listen to your body
You know your body best. So, tell your doctor if you notice a change that’s not normal for you, or doesn’t go away.
Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, and lots of the symptoms below can be down to other conditions. But it’s still worth telling your doctor if you notice any of these.
- Peeing more than normal
- Regularly needing to pee urgently
- Needing to pee lots during the night
- Finding it hard to pee
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
- Blood in your pee, even if it only happens once
Even if it’s not on the list above, if it’s not normal for you, get it checked out. In most cases it won’t be cancer. But if it is, finding it at an early stage can make a real difference.
What affects your risk?
Age
As with most cancers, the risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and most cases are in people over 50.
Ethnicity
Black men may be at a higher risk of prostate cancer.
Family history
People with a family history of prostate cancer may be at a higher risk.
What is a prostate?
Most people who were born male have a prostate. It’s a walnut-sized gland in the pelvis that makes the fluid part of semen.
Why is there no screening for prostate cancer?
There’s no screening for prostate cancer in the UK because we don’t have a reliable enough test.
The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is sometimes used to help diagnose prostate cancer. But it is not good enough to use as a screening test in people without symptoms. It can miss some cancers and pick up cancers that wouldn’t have gone on to cause any harm.
Understanding the PSA test
The PSA test measures the amount of PSA, released from the prostate, in the blood.
PSA level
The PSA test measures the amount of PSA, released from the prostate, in the blood.
Low
It's normal for all men to have some PSA in their blood.
High
A high level of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be affected by lots of other things:
An infection
Prostate stimulation, recent ejaculation or anal sex
Vigorous exercise
Some medicines
Men over the age of 50 can ask their doctor about the PSA test if they want one. But evidence shows that giving men without symptoms a PSA test does not save lives from prostate cancer. And it can also mean that some men have treatment they don’t need.
Talk to your doctor
When you’re worried that there’s something wrong, telling a doctor can seem difficult.
Here are some ideas for how to get the most out of your appointment, whether it’s over the phone, on video or a face to face conversation.
Be honest
Tell the doctor about anything unusual, even if it doesn’t seem that important or you think it might be a bit embarrassing.
Be thorough
Mention all your symptoms and don’t put it down to ‘just getting older’, or another health condition. If it’s something that’s bothering you, then your doctor will want to hear about it.
Stick with it
Don’t worry you might be wasting your doctor’s time. Even if you’ve spoken to them already, they want to know if your symptoms haven’t gone away, or if something still doesn’t feel quite right.
Be prepared
Think about how to describe any changes and how long you’ve had them for. Writing down what you want to say can help. It can also be useful to have a list of any medications that you take, including over-the-counter or herbal remedies.
Research is beating cancer
Thanks to research there are a range of good options to treat prostate cancer. Treatments are kinder and more effective than ever.
How to find out more
We're online
Learn more about spotting cancer early, including information about screening across the UK, at:
...and on the phone
Our Nurse Helpline is there if you’re looking for any information or support. Just call 0808 800 4040.