What to Look For

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms at first, since it tends to start growing on the outer part of the gland, away from the tube carrying urine out of the body (urethra). As it grows or spreads, it can start to cause changes in peeing, such as difficulty starting, a weak flow, "stop-start" peeing, needing to go urgently or often, feeling like the bladder hasn't fully emptied, or needing to pee at night.

Other possible symptoms include erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine or semen, and — more often linked to advanced prostate cancer — lower back pain or unintentional weight loss. These symptoms don't always mean cancer, since a very common non-cancerous condition called an enlarged prostate can cause similar effects as men get older, but any change is worth getting checked.

Seeing a GP

See a GP if you're having trouble peeing or have other symptoms of prostate cancer, if you're over 40 and genetic testing has shown a faulty BRCA2 gene (which raises prostate cancer risk), or if you're simply worried about your risk. You can ask your GP about a PSA blood test even without symptoms, and they'll help you weigh up whether it's the right choice based on your individual risk.

At your appointment, the GP will ask about your health and family history of cancers linked to shared genetic risk, such as pancreatic, breast or ovarian cancer. They may also examine the prostate gland using a rectal examination, gently inserting a gloved, lubricated finger — you can ask for a male or female doctor or nurse if available, and have someone with you if you'd like. They may also suggest a PSA blood test, which can't confirm cancer on its own but can flag potential prostate problems worth investigating further; results usually take 1 to 2 weeks. If your symptoms or PSA result suggest cancer, you'll be referred urgently for further tests or a specialist opinion, though this doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer.

Who's More Likely to Get It

The risk of prostate cancer rises with age, and mostly affects men over 50, though anyone with a prostate can develop it. You may have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer if you're over 50, from a Black African or African Caribbean background, have a family history of prostate cancer, or have a close relative who's had pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancer, particularly at a young age — since these cancers can share the same underlying inherited gene, a faulty version of BRCA2.

It's worth speaking to a GP if you're worried about your prostate cancer risk, even without symptoms, since symptoms often don't appear until the cancer has already grown or spread — meaning risk-based conversations with a GP can be valuable well before any symptoms develop.