Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed in England, surpassing breast cancer for two consecutive years, according to analysis by a leading charity.
In 2023 there were 55,033 prostate cancer diagnoses compared with 47,526 breast cancer diagnoses, according to the Prostate Cancer UK’s analysis of NHS England data.
Prostate Cancer UK says the increase in diagnoses and awareness can be partly attributed to its awareness campaign launched with the NHS in 2022, which has led to 3 million men using its online risk checker tool.
More than 14,000 men who should have been diagnosed with the disease and referred to treatment were not due to the pandemic, but by April 2024 this gap had been closed.
NHS England’s Rapid Cancer Registration Dataset shows prostate, breast, bowel and lung cancer are the four most common in England, accounting for about 50% of all cases.
The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but most cases develop in men over 50, with black men having double the risk of developing the disease.
It is difficult to diagnose and treat because symptoms do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the urethra, which leads to an increased need and straining while urinating, and a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied.
Chiara De Biase, director of health services, equity & improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said the figures showed that prostate cancer awareness was growing across England.
“Unlike other cancers, prostate cancer won’t give you symptoms in its crucial early stages when it’s easier to treat, so as a charity we can’t tell you about tell-tale signs to look out for.
“That’s why we do everything we can to make every man aware of his risk of getting the disease and empower him to think about his testing options – so that he has the best chance of getting that all-important earlier diagnosis. Because the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat.”
She added: “These new figures show that awareness is now growing across the UK, and we’re proud to have played our part in this alongside our supporters and the NHS. More men than ever are learning about their risk, speaking to their GP about the PSA blood test, and then taking the best next steps.
“The good news is that the way prostate cancer is diagnosed is safer and more accurate than ever, and the first step is a simple blood test – not a ‘finger up the bum’. If you’re worried about prostate cancer, the easiest thing you can do right now is take Prostate Cancer UK’s quick online risk checker.”
Prof Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and effective awareness campaigns, we are diagnosing more men with prostate cancer at an earlier stage than ever before, so they have the best possible chance of receiving effective treatment.
“We know that coming forward for prostate checks can be daunting, but it could save your life, so we would encourage men to consult the prostate cancer symptoms advice available on NHS.uk, and to see their GP as soon as possible if they are concerned.”
