Know your risk
When it comes to prostate health, knowing your normal means more than looking out for symptoms. Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, so understanding your risk and knowing when to speak to your GP matters too.
This guide explains the main things to be aware of and where to find further information. It is for anyone with a prostate, as well as partners, family members and friends who want to offer support.
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder that helps produce semen. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way. Other conditions can also affect the prostate, including non-cancerous enlargement, so a change does not automatically mean cancer.
You can find more information in the NHS guide to prostate cancer.
Your age, ethnicity and family history can affect your likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
If you are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer, Prostate Cancer UK advises considering a conversation with your GP about your risk from age 45. You can speak to your GP at any age if you are concerned; these ages are not a reason to delay seeking advice about symptoms.
Read Prostate Cancer UK’s risk guidance
Possible symptoms include difficulty starting to pee, a weaker flow, needing to pee more often or urgently, and feeling that your bladder has not emptied. Blood in your urine or semen and difficulty getting or keeping an erection should also be discussed with a doctor.
These changes can have other causes. Arrange medical advice if you notice them, particularly if they are new, worsening or unusual for you. Do not wait for symptoms before asking about your risk.
Read the NHS guidance on prostate cancer symptoms
A GP can discuss your symptoms, family history and risk. They may suggest an examination or a prostate specific antigen blood test, usually called a PSA test.
A PSA test measures a protein in your blood. A raised result can be caused by conditions other than cancer, and a result within the usual range does not completely rule cancer out. The test cannot diagnose prostate cancer on its own.
There are potential benefits and drawbacks to testing, including inaccurate results and further investigations that may not be needed. Your GP can help you understand these and decide whether testing is appropriate for you.
Before your appointment, you could write down:
It is fine to say that you feel embarrassed or unsure how to explain something. You can also ask whether someone you trust can come with you.
A diagnosis can bring practical questions as well as worries about the future. Ask your healthcare team to explain anything you do not understand and tell them about concerns affecting your daily life or relationships.
Prostate Cancer UK’s information and support can help you explore your questions. If the emotional side feels difficult, visit our men’s mental health and wellbeing page for further support options.
If a holiday is on your mind, speak to your treating team about your plans. When you are ready to explore insurance, our dedicated page explains how we consider your individual circumstances.
Explore prostate cancer travel insurance
Back to the Men’s Health Hub This information does not replace medical advice. Speak to your GP or healthcare team about symptoms, testing and your individual circumstances.
