Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, affecting the prostate gland — a small organ located below the bladder that produces fluid to nourish and transport sperm. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause significant harm, others are more aggressive and can spread quickly. Early detection is key to effective treatment and better outcomes.
In the UK, around 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, making it the most common cancer in men. That’s more than 140 new cases every day. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and the risk increases with age. It is also the second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths in men, with over 12,000 deaths annually. However, survival rates are improving thanks to greater awareness, better screening, and advances in treatment.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
The exact cause of prostate cancer is still not fully understood. However, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including:
Age: Risk rises significantly after age 50. In the UK, most cases are diagnosed in men over 65.
Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles your risk.
Ethnicity: Black men in the UK are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer compared to white men and are often diagnosed younger.
Lifestyle factors: Diets high in red meat, obesity, and lack of physical activity may play a role.
Genetics: Certain inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2) can increase risk.
Key Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, men may experience:
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood in urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Pain in the hips, back, or pelvis (if the cancer has spread)
Because symptoms often overlap with non-cancerous prostate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), medical assessment is essential. In the UK, around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, so recognising symptoms and seeking advice promptly is crucial.
How Doctors Diagnose Prostate Cancer
Diagnosis usually involves several tests and examinations, such as:
Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor feels the prostate for abnormalities.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures PSA levels, which may be elevated in prostate cancer.
Imaging tests: MRI or ultrasound may be used for further assessment. In the UK, multiparametric MRI scans are often used before a biopsy to reduce unnecessary procedures.
Biopsy: Tissue samples from the prostate are examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
Each year in the UK, hundreds of thousands of PSA tests are carried out, especially for men over 50 or those at higher risk.
Prostate Cancer Grading and Staging Explained
Once diagnosed, prostate cancer is graded and staged to determine severity and spread:
Grading: The Gleason score is used to describe how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope. Higher scores indicate more aggressive cancer.
Staging: Stages range from I (cancer confined to the prostate) to IV (cancer has spread to nearby tissues or distant organs). Staging helps guide treatment decisions.
In the UK, about half of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage, where treatment is most effective.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Treatment depends on the stage, aggressiveness, and overall health of the patient. Common options include:
Active surveillance: Regular monitoring for slow-growing cancers, often used in the UK to avoid overtreatment.
Surgery: Removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy).
Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: Reducing testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.
Chemotherapy: Used for advanced or resistant prostate cancer.
Immunotherapy & targeted therapy: Newer treatments that may be recommended in certain cases.
In the UK, the NHS offers a range of treatments, and men are often supported by multidisciplinary cancer teams who create personalised treatment plans.
Possible Complications and Side Effects
Prostate cancer and its treatments can lead to complications such as:
Urinary incontinence
Erectile dysfunction
Infertility
Bone pain or fractures (if cancer spreads to bones)
Side effects from treatment, including fatigue, bowel problems, and hormonal changes
Support services are widely available in the UK, with charities such as Prostate Cancer UK offering advice, counselling, and patient support groups.
Prostate Cancer Outlook and Survival Rates
The outlook for prostate cancer is generally positive, especially when detected early. In the UK, over 85% of men survive for 10 years or more after diagnosis, making survival rates among the highest for any major cancer. Localised prostate cancer has a very high survival rate, with many men living long, healthy lives after treatment. However, aggressive or advanced cases require ongoing management and may affect life expectancy.
Screening and Health Checks for Prostate Cancer
Routine screening can help detect prostate cancer early, when it is most treatable. Screening typically involves a PSA blood test and sometimes a DRE. Men at higher risk — including those over 50, or over 45 for Black men or those with a family history — should discuss screening with their GP.
Unlike some countries, the UK does not have a national screening programme for prostate cancer. Instead, the NHS offers the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme, which allows men over 50 to request a free PSA test after discussing the risks and benefits with their doctor.
At Optimum Health Screening, prostate cancer screening is included as part of our Male Cancer Health Check for men over the age of 45. These checks not only assess your prostate health but also provide a full overview of your wellbeing, helping to detect other potential health issues early.
Taking proactive steps with a health check could give you peace of mind and improve long-term health outcomes. Book your appointment today and take control of your health.
Book Your Prostate Health Check Today
Prostate cancer is most treatable when caught early — and a simple health check could make all the difference. At Optimum Health Screening, our Male Cancer Health Check includes a prostate cancer blood test alongside a wide range of tests designed to give you a clear picture of your overall health.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take control of your health, get peace of mind, and make informed choices about your future.
Book your appointment today with Optimum Health Screening and prioritise your long-term wellbeing.
