Prostate Cancer
Learn the signs of prostate cancer and when to talk to your GP.
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What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small gland in men. It is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause problems, but some are more serious. Symptoms are often related to urination, and similar symptoms can be caused by non-cancerous conditions.
Possible signs and symptoms
These symptoms can have many possible causes and do not necessarily mean you have cancer. An enlarged prostate (a common, non-cancerous condition) causes similar symptoms. Persistent or unusual changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Difficulty starting to urinate or a weak flow
- Straining or taking a long time to finish urinating
- A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the back, hips or pelvis, or unexplained weight loss
When should I speak to my GP?
If you notice changes in how you urinate, contact your GP. Many of these symptoms are caused by a non-cancerous enlarged prostate, but a GP can assess you. Men over 50, or those with a family history, may wish to ask about a PSA blood test.
Check your risk
Answer a few quick questions for a general awareness indicator. This is not a clinical assessment.
How old are you?
Family history of prostate cancer?
Noticed urinary symptoms?
This is a general awareness tool, not a clinical risk score. It does not diagnose cancer.
Risk factors
These factors can increase the chance of developing prostate cancer. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get it, and some people with no known risk factors are still affected. Black men have a higher lifetime risk and may benefit from talking to their GP earlier.
- Being a man and getting older
- Risk goes up after 50
- A family history of prostate cancer
- Changes in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Being of Black African or Black Caribbean background
- This means a higher lifetime risk
- Eating lots of processed foods and not enough fruit and veg
What might happen when I speak to my GP?
Your GP will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and may offer a PSA blood test. Depending on the result, they may refer you to a specialist for further checks, which can include an MRI scan and, if needed, a biopsy.
Frequently asked questions
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Understanding prostate cancer (3 min)
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PSA test — what to expect (2 min)
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Links open a YouTube search for trusted NHS and Cancer Research UK videos.
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Related CancerPath guidance
People also ask about Prostate Cancer
CancerPath provides educational information and signposting only. It does not provide a diagnosis or replace advice from a GP or other qualified healthcare professional.
Many possible cancer symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If a change is persistent, unusual for you or causing concern, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
For urgent or severe symptoms, contact NHS 111 or emergency services.
Sources and further reading
NHS — Prostate cancer
Last source check: 2026-08-10
Cancer Research UK — Prostate cancer
Last source check: 2026-08-10
NICE — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (NG12)
Last source check: 2026-08-10
Evidence and review
- Content status:
- Evidence-informed health information
- Written by:
- CancerPath Editorial Team
- Last reviewed:
- Not yet clinically reviewed
- Version:
- 1.0
- Sources:
- NHS, Cancer Research UK, NICE
CancerPath supports awareness, screening engagement and signposting. It does not diagnose cancer and does not replace professional medical advice. If symptoms are urgent or persistent, contact your GP, NHS 111, or emergency services where appropriate.
CancerPath — Know the signs. Take the next step.