Prostate Cancer Awareness

March 1 2026

March is Prostate cancer awareness month, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in
men, with 1 in 8 men in the UK diagnosed in their lifetime, increasing to 1 in 4 for Black men.
As early-stage cancer often has no symptoms, awareness of risk factors age 50+, family
history, and Black ethnicity is crucial. Early detection through PSA tests improves survival
rates.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer starts in the cells of the prostate. The prostate is a small gland that is just
below the bladder and in front of the rectum (back passage).

Prostate cancer is a common cancer. In the UK about 48,600 men are diagnosed with it
each year. Prostate cancer is more common over the age of 65. It can happen at a younger
age but it is uncommon under 50. You have a higher risk of prostate cancer at a younger age
if you are Black or have a strong family history of prostate cancer.

Here are the different types:

Early prostate cancer (or localised prostate cancer) – the cancer is only inside the
prostate gland.

Locally-advanced prostate cancer – the cancer has spread through the capsule
surrounding the prostate gland and may have started to spread into tissue or organs
close by.

Advanced prostate cancer (or metastatic prostate cancer) – the cancer has spread to
other parts of the body, such as the bones..

What are some of the symptoms ?

You may not experience any symptoms in the early stage of prostate cancer. It is only when
the cancer is large enough to press on the tube that carries the urine from the bladder
(urethra) that symptoms can occur. These can include:

● needing to pee more often than usual, especially at night
● difficulty peeing – for example, a weak flow or having to strain to start peeing
● feeling like you have not completely emptied your bladder.

Some Useful links for more information and support: Macmillan Cancer Support