Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in UK men, accounting for nearly 28% of new male cancer cases each year. The encouraging news is that when caught early, the five‑year survival rate exceeds 95%, making timely checks invaluable. Overall, around one in six men will face a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, so staying informed and proactive about screening can make all the difference.
Because early‑stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms, many men are unaware of subtle changes until the disease is more advanced. This checklist is designed to empower you to notice potential warning signs without inducing panic. Remember, only a qualified clinician can make a diagnosis, and most urinary or sexual concerns have causes other than cancer.
Possible symptoms of prostate cancer
An elevated prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) blood test is often the first sign that further checks are needed. However, a blood test alone cannot confirm prostate cancer, so it is important to stay aware of any physical changes. Add the following to your personal symptom checklist and discuss anything new or persistent with your GP:
- Urinary flow changes – needing to urinate more often (especially at night), a weaker stream, or difficulty starting or stopping.
- Urinary discomfort – burning, stinging, or pain when passing urine.
- Blood in urine or semen – always warrants prompt medical attention.
- Erectile difficulties – while most cases of erectile dysfunction have non‑cancerous explanations, many men still wonder if erectile dysfunction is a sign of prostate cancer. Persistent issues should be assessed by a doctor to rule out any underlying problems.
- Lower‑back or hip pain – bone pain can be a sign of cancer that has spread; pay particular attention to discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Changes in bowel habits – while very rare, prostate cancer that affects the bowel may lead to abdominal discomfort or changes in stool patterns.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs – could indicate that the cancer has spread to the spine, placing pressure on surrounding nerves.
Important: These symptoms overlap with benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis, urinary tract infections and other common conditions. A consultation, PSA test and, if indicated, an MRI scan are the most accurate methods to clarify what’s going on.
Factors that can affect your risk of prostate cancer
Age remains the dominant driver. The National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service records barely a couple of hundred cases per year in men under 45, yet incidence rises to roughly 190 per 100 000 among those aged 55–59 and 800 per 100 000 in men over 75. In total, Cancer Research UK places the lifetime risk for British men at about one in six (17 %). That statistical incidence explains why urologists such as Santis recommend a baseline PSA in your early forties and annual trend tracking from 50 onwards.
A family history of the disease increases the likelihood twofold: if your father or brother has been diagnosed, your own risk almost doubles. If you have two close relatives with prostate cancer, studies show that the risk can be even higher. UK genomic research also reveals that carrying a BRCA2 gene mutation can push the chance of developing prostate cancer up to 40%.
Ethnicity affects risk significantly. One in four Black men in the UK will face a prostate cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, twice the rate seen in White men, and they are typically diagnosed five years earlier. Despite this, a recent survey found that a quarter of Black men who asked for a PSA test could not access one, highlighting the extra vigilance required in this group.
Lifestyle factors such as body weight and physical activity play an important but modifiable role. A meta‑analysis reported by Cancer Research UK found that every step up the body‑mass‑index scale increased the likelihood of an advanced diagnosis. Researchers concluded that men carrying excess fat had a 10–20% higher chance of aggressive disease, whereas regular exercise and a balanced diet appeared protective.
It’s important to note that while no single factor guarantees you will, or won’t, develop prostate cancer, knowing your personal risk profile makes it easier for you and your clinician to decide how closely to monitor PSA levels or when to schedule MRI screening.
How is prostate cancer detected?
- PSA blood test (baseline and trend analysis) – Measures the concentration of prostate‑specific antigen produced by prostate cells. A single result is useful, but a series of annual readings tells your clinician whether your PSA is rising faster than expected for your age. Santis Health’s PSA Test offers timely blood sampling, laboratory confirmation, and professional and trusted feedback on your results and history.
- Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) – A high‑resolution, contrast‑enhanced scan that combines T2‑weighted, diffusion‑weighted, and dynamic contrast imaging sequences. The result is summarised in a PI‑RADS score (1‑5) that indicates the likelihood of clinically significant cancer. When performed before biopsy, mpMRI can avoid unnecessary sampling in roughly 25 % of men.
- Targeted transperineal biopsy – If imaging shows a PI‑RADS 3‑5 lesion, the urologist performs an ultrasound‑guided transperineal or robotic‑assisted biopsy, taking samples precisely from the lesion. This procedure is done under local or light general anaesthetic, carries a less than 1 % infection risk.
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) – Although less sensitive than mpMRI for small tumours, a DRE allows the clinician to feel the texture of the posterior prostate surface. Some guidelines still recommend an annual DRE for men at high risk.
Stay informed, stay healthy
No checklist can replace professional medical advice, but staying informed helps you act swiftly if symptoms arise. Age, family history, and ethnicity shape your risk profile, while PSA testing and MRI scanning enable detection long before serious symptoms progress. If you notice physical changes, whether urinary, sexual, or musculoskeletal, speak to a healthcare professional or book a consultation with the Santis team. Early action is still the best defence against prostate cancer, and expert support is only a conversation away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is erectile dysfunction a sign of prostate cancer?
Occasional erectile issues are usually vascular or psychological, but persistent dysfunction, especially with urinary changes, should be assessed.
Is impotence a sign of prostate cancer?
The term “impotence” implies erectile dysfunction. Again, most cases are benign, yet combining it with a PSA test rules out underlying concerns early.
What are the first signs of prostate cancer recurrence?
After treatment, the earliest indicator is typically a rising PSA level rather than physical symptoms. Regular monitoring allows timely intervention.
What are some early symptoms of prostate cancer?
Early‑stage disease is often symptom‑free. When symptoms do appear, urinary flow changes and unexplained back or bone pain are some of the earliest symptoms.
