Prostate cancer

You may be worried about prostate cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or you may be thinking of someone you care about.

This page has information about prostate cancer symptoms, getting diagnosed, managing treatment and side effects, and how Maggie's can help.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that starts in the prostate gland – part of the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumour.

Prostate cancer is most common in men. Some trans women and non-binary people can get prostate cancer too.

Types of prostate cancer

There are several different types of prostate cancer, including:

• adenocarcinoma
• transitional cell carcinoma (TCC)
• squamous cell carcinoma
• small cell prostate cancer
• sarcoma of the prostate
• carcinoid tumour (or neuroendocrine tumour) of the prostate

Primary and secondary prostate cancer

Prostate cancer can be primary or secondary, depending if it has spread.

Primary prostate cancer is prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland.

Secondary prostate cancer is when the cancer has spread from the prostate gland to other parts of the body. It is sometimes called locally advanced prostate cancer, advanced prostate cancer, metastatic prostate cancer or stage 4 prostate cancer.

Causes of prostate cancer

What causes prostate cancer is often unknown, but there are factors that may increase your risk of developing it.

Some of these risk factors are specific to prostate cancer, including:

• family history of prostate cancer
  
• ethnicity - prostate cancer is more common in black men than in white men, and less common in asian men
• previous cancer of the bladder, kidney, thyroid, lung or skin (melanoma)

Early evidence suggests that having a vasectomy and inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) might also impact your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Other risk factors are common to all cancers. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer.

Having risk factors does not necessarily mean you will get prostate cancer. But it is helpful to be aware of the risks and see a doctor if you have any concerns.

Prostate cancer screening

Men over 50 are more at risk of getting prostate cancer. While routine screening without symptoms is uncommon, in the UK, men over 50 can ask for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test at a GP surgery.

Your GP will discuss the pros and cons of the test with you.

You may also be offered regular scans or blood tests if you have other high-risk factors or a family history of prostate cancer. Find out more about genetic testing for cancer.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer usually has no early signs. When it does cause symptoms, these may include:

• needing to pee (urinate) more often or urgently
• difficulty starting to pee
• a weaker flow of urine
• frequent urine infections
• feeling that your bladder isn't fully emptying
• blood in the urine or semen
• difficulty with erections
• a change in bowel habits
• fatigue
• weight loss
• unexplained back or bone pain

Most people with these symptoms do not have prostate cancer. But if you do have symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor. If it is cancer, it will be easier to treat if it has been detected early.

Getting diagnosed with prostate cancer

If you have been having symptoms of prostate cancer, the first step will usually be to see your GP.

What happens in your GP appointment

Your GP will ask you to describe your symptoms. You should also tell them about any previous prostate or urinary problems you have had, and if you have a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer.

The doctor might:

• examine you by putting a gloved finger inside your bottom to feel your prostate – this is called a rectal exam
  
• arrange blood and urine tests
• ask to see you again
• arrange for you to see a specialist at the hospital

A rectal exam is usually painless, but it can feel uncomfortable. You can ask for a chaperone or bring someone for support if you would prefer.

If you don't have a hospital appointment and your symptoms continue or get worse, you should make another GP appointment.

Find out more about preparing for your GP appointment.

Testing for prostate cancer

A urologist is a specialist in the urinary system and the male reproductive system. To find the cause of your symptoms, the urologist may arrange further tests, such as:

• a CT scan or an MRI scan
• a bone scan
• a biopsy, where a tiny sample of your prostate is removed and tested

After these tests and scans, you will be given an appointment to receive your results.

Waiting for appointments, tests and results can be a difficult time, and you might find that asking some questions and preparing for your results helps. 

Find out more about how Maggie's can help.

Understanding a prostate cancer diagnosis

The doctor will explain if you have prostate cancer in your results appointment, and whether you need further tests and scans to see if the cancer has spread.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or in shock after hearing that you have prostate cancer, and you might have a lot of information to process.

Our cancer support specialists are here to listen, to help you understand what your diagnosis means, and to find the right support for you.

Find your nearest Maggie's to talk to us, or find out more about understanding a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment for prostate cancer

Some types of prostate cancer are slow growing and may never cause problems or need treatment. Others may spread beyond the prostate gland if not treated.

Treatment can be aimed at shrinking a tumour, removing the cancer completely, or controlling the symptoms that it causes. You may have more than one type of treatment.

The types of treatment most commonly offered for prostate cancer are:

• active surveillance or 'watch and wait'
• surgery
• radiotherapy
• hormone therapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
• clinical trials

Your cancer care team will work together to decide which treatment options could be best for you. Your urologist and specialist nurse will then discuss these with you.

You might want to get a second opinion before deciding on a treatment plan.

Making treatment decisions can feel daunting, and you might have lots of concerns or questions. 

Find out more about how Maggie's can support you.

Managing the effects of prostate cancer and treatment

A prostate cancer diagnosis can affect your life in many ways. You may be dealing with:

• symptoms and side effects of prostate cancer and treatment
• changes to your day-to-day life
• worries about money
• a range of feelings and emotions

Contact or visit your nearest Maggie's centre and together we will find the right support for you.

You can also explore our cancer support pages for more information.

After treatment for prostate cancer

When treatment ends, it can leave you with mixed feelings of relief and uncertainty.

For many people, prostate cancer is treated successfully. For some, it comes back or is diagnosed at an advanced stage from the start.

We have more information on finishing treatment and treatment for advanced cancer, as well as courses and workshops to support you and your family beyond treatment.

How Maggie's can help

We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever stage you're at, and for friends and family too.

• Find your nearest centre, leave your details and we’ll give you a call
• Just come in – you don't need an appointment

Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027