International Men’s Day is an opportunity to raise the profile of health issues that are associated with men by openly discussing and bringing light to health issues such as prostate cancer to encourage men further to attend screening. Within the UK, 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer a year. Although this is one of the most common cancers in men, uptake in screening is considered to be relatively low. Across high-income countries, including the United Kingdom, there has been an increase of 300% in mortality rate. This is due to the increasing detection services being offered. However, it is expected that several men are opting out of screening or not recognising the symptoms of prostate cancer. 

One of the recognised barriers to accessing screening is due to the examination – digital rectal exam. But a PSA blood test with MRI scans could be used to make a diagnosis. Research suggests that 37% of men avoid discussing any concerns about the prostate with their doctors out of fear of the digital rectal exam. Black men who are at a higher risk of prostate cancer report cultural stigmatisation, which further results in them avoiding examination. Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed and die from prostate cancer compared to their White counterparts. A recognition of the cultural barriers is needed. Therefore, further education and awareness are required. In particular, I am interested in the alternative options for testing. There may also be a fear of diagnosis. Awaiting the results of the testing can be daunting. So individuals must be aware of the available support services.

Early detection is crucial in the fight against prostate cancer. Many men wait for symptoms to appear before seeking medical advice. However, it’s important to understand that, like most cancers, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of successful treatment and potential cure. Symptoms can vary from person to person, so if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your GP for further information.

Common symptoms are:

• Urinary changes whereby an individual may find it difficult to begin or stop urination or feel the need to urinate more. This may occur more frequently in the evening or night.
• A burning or uncomfortable sensation when urinating,
• Blood appearing in urine or semen. 
• Forms of discomfort in the lower back or hip area and stiffness in this area
• Dramatical weight loss
• Feeling exhausted, which cannot be explained

We must continue to raise awareness about prostate cancer to encourage more men to get tested. In March, we have Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the UK and numerous public campaigns. However, there’s still a need for more awareness. Just like the successful Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns, we need to see more open discussions on television shows and media platforms about prostate cancer. Promoting and encouraging screening and debunking myths about the disease can make early detection more widely understood and practised. 

Prostate Cancer UK has a 2022–2025 strategy to save and improve the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, with more evidence-based treatments being offered to provide men with the best chance of survival. Prostate cancer does not have a national testing programme. But only 1 in 5 men in the UK knows this. So when attending routine health checks, there may be an assumption prostate cancer is being tested for. This is not the case.

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For more information on prostate cancer and support services, you can visit Cancer Research UK and Prostate Cancer UK. 

Natalie Quinn-Walker is a lecturer in public health and deputy course lead at Birmingham City South Campus – Seacole.