Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2026

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, located just below the bladder. It plays a role in producing seminal fluid. As men age, the prostate can enlarge naturally, but sometimes changes in the cells can lead to cancer.

What are the symptoms?

One of the challenges with prostate cancer is that in its early stages, it often has no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination

• A weak urine flow

• Feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied

• Blood in urine or semen

These symptoms are common with non-cancerous prostate conditions too, but it is always important to have them checked by a GP.

Who is at higher risk?

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are aged 50 or over

• Have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer

• Are of Black ethnicity

• Have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

If you fall into one of these groups, it may be worth speaking to your GP about your individual risk.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

The first step is usually a blood test called the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. A raised PSA level does not always mean cancer, but it can indicate that further tests are needed. Your doctor may also carry out a physical examination and arrange scans or a biopsy if necessary.

There is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK, so awareness of symptoms and risk factors is vital.

Treatment and outlook

Treatment depends on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, and when detected early, treatment can be very effective.

Survival rates for prostate cancer have improved significantly over the years, particularly when it is diagnosed at an early stage.

Don’t ignore the signs

Many prostate cancers are slow growing and highly treatable when detected early. If something doesn’t feel right, or if you are in a higher-risk group, do not put off seeking advice.

This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to think about your health, or encourage a partner, father, brother or friend to do the same.