One man diagnosed with prostate cancer every eight minutes in the UK as cases rise
Macmillan Cancer Support said the increase could be linked to greater awareness of the disease as well as the UK’s ageing population.
The number of men living with prostate cancer in the UK has risen by 100,000 in just six years, according to new figures from Macmillan Cancer Support.
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The charity estimates that more than 68,000 men are diagnosed with the disease across the UK each year, or roughly one diagnosis every eight minutes.
New estimates from Macmillan suggest around 600,000 men are now living with prostate cancer, up from approximately 500,000 in 2020.
Prostate cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, according to the charity.
Macmillan said the increase could be linked to greater awareness and understanding of the disease, as well as the UK’s ageing population.
However, the charity has warned that “myths” about prostate cancer are still circulating and spreading misinformation, potentially stopping men from getting themselves checked.
Dr Anthony Cunliffe, lead medical adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “One of the biggest misunderstandings I hear is that feeling well means you cannot have prostate cancer.
“Many people are surprised to learn that, in reality, prostate cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s important to have a conversation with your GP if you’re worried.”
Macmillan said prostate cancer can develop without symptoms for many years, with signs often appearing once a tumour becomes large enough to put pressure on the urethra - the tube which carries urine.
Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, needing to go to the toilet more often than usual, particularly at night, feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied and blood in the urine.
Men experiencing any of these symptoms have been urged to speak to their GP.
Dr Cunliffe added: “Prostate cancer generally occurs in men over 50 but it can develop earlier in some groups, including black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.”
“Some GPs may suggest an examination of the prostate, because it might give them more information, but this isn’t always necessary and declining one won’t be a barrier to having a blood test.”
“So, whether someone with a prostate has symptoms or not, we would always encourage speaking to the GP for more information about prostate cancer and getting tested.”
The UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) recommended earlier this year against screening all men for prostate cancer using the PSA blood test.
The UKNSC said using the test to try to detect prostate cancer is “likely to cause more harm than good”.
Experts did recommend screening several thousand men considered to be at high risk because of a specific gene mutation.
Officials also announced that a screening trial would be expanded, with all eligible black men invited to participate.
Discussing Macmillan’s figures, Dr Matthew Hobbs, director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “These figures from Macmillan Cancer Support highlight the growing number of men living with prostate cancer across the UK, which is being driven by a combination of different factors.
“At the same time, research has helped drive major improvements in treatment over recent years, meaning more men are living longer after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
“That is positive progress, but it also means the number of men living with the disease will continue to grow.”