NHS chiefs in Greater Manchester have issued a warning urging men to learn the warning signs of prostate cancer and visit their GP urgently if they notice symptoms. More than 55,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK, and around 12,300 die from the disease. According to a study by Cancer Research UK, if prostate cancer is detected early, more than 80 per cent of men diagnosed today are expected to survive for at least ten years.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Prostate cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms for many years. However, once the prostate becomes large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder, men may notice several warning signs. The symptoms include:
- An increased need to urinate, often during the night
- Straining while urinating
- A feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
- Seeing blood in urine or semen
The NHS stressed that these symptoms do not automatically mean someone has cancer, as they can also be caused by non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. However, anyone experiencing them should contact their GP.
Higher-Risk Groups
Health officials are particularly encouraging men in higher-risk groups to be aware of the disease. The chances of developing prostate cancer are higher for black men, men aged over 50, and those with a family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer. Prostate cancer affects one in eight white men and one in four black men.
NHS Greater Manchester said men in these groups may wish to discuss their risk with their GP and ask about a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which can help detect prostate problems.
Government Plans for Screening
The warning comes as the Government announced plans to expand a major prostate cancer screening trial involving black men, who are disproportionately affected by the disease. Health Secretary James Murray accepted a recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee that will result in only a few thousand high-risk men with a gene mutation being screened for the disease. However, he announced funding to expand the Transform trial, which is exploring the best ways to test for the disease, to ensure it includes more black men. The programme is expected to be rolled out in 2027.
Other Health Issues for Men
The NHS has also urged male patients to look out for other preventable health issues that disproportionately affect men, such as heart disease and mental health problems. For heart disease, early symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness, palpitations or irregular heartbeats, and swelling in the legs or ankles. Many risk factors can be managed by lifestyle changes, including monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels; quitting smoking; adopting a heart-healthy diet; exercising at least 30 minutes daily; managing stress; and limiting alcohol to no more than 14 units per week.
In England, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, with three-quarters of deaths by suicide being men. In Greater Manchester alone, over 200 people a year die by suicide. Men have been urged to get support before reaching crisis, with peer support groups and bereavement services available through the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service, Samaritans, and Papyrus.
The NHS also offers a free overall health check-up for anyone aged 40-74 without pre-existing chronic conditions, which can indicate risk for heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
