Prostate cancer has become the most frequently diagnosed cancer in England, overtaking breast cancer for the second consecutive year, according to an analysis by Prostate Cancer UK.
In 2023, 55,033 cases of prostate cancer were identified, compared to 47,526 breast cancer cases, based on NHS England data. Prostate Cancer UK attributes this rise in diagnoses and awareness to its 2022 campaign with the NHS, which encouraged 3 million men to use its online risk checker.
The pandemic initially delayed diagnoses and treatment for over 14,000 men, but by April 2024, this backlog had been addressed.
Data from NHS England’s Rapid Cancer Registration Dataset highlights prostate, breast, bowel, and lung cancer as the four most common types, collectively accounting for nearly half of all cancer cases in England.
Although the cause of prostate cancer remains unclear, the condition predominantly affects men over 50, with black men facing double the risk. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging since symptoms typically appear only when the prostate grows large enough to impact the urethra, causing frequent urination, straining, and incomplete bladder emptying.
Chiara De Biase, Prostate Cancer UK’s director of health services, equity, and improvement, noted that awareness around prostate cancer is increasing.
“Unlike other cancers, prostate cancer doesn’t show symptoms in its early stages when it’s most treatable. That’s why we focus on empowering men to understand their risk and explore testing options to improve early diagnosis chances,” she said.
De Biase added that the campaign has led to more men discussing their risk with GPs and undergoing the PSA blood test, which is now safer and more accurate than ever. “The first step is a simple blood test, not the feared ‘finger up the bum,’” she assured, encouraging men to use the charity’s risk checker tool if concerned.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, praised the combined efforts of NHS staff and awareness campaigns for enabling earlier diagnoses. “Early detection gives men the best chance of effective treatment. We encourage anyone with concerns to consult NHS resources and speak to their GP,” he emphasized.
