Prostate cancer

For anyone born as a male, you are at risk of developing prostate problems. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK. With around 52,300 new cases every year, 1 in 6 men in the UK will get prostate cancer at some point in their life, reports Cancer Research UK.

Sometimes prostate cancer is slow growing and merely needs regular monitoring. In other cases, it is more aggressive and can fairly rapidly spread outside of the prostate gland. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Bob Andrews, chief executive of Benenden Health, says his diagnosis was a complete surprise. “I had been experiencing some pain in my coccyx and went to Benenden Hospital for an MRI,” he says. “It showed a shadow on my prostate and I then had another MRI scan specifically on the prostate.”

Prostate cancer: what is it?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that is found within the prostate gland. The prostate gland is wrapped around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and positioned just under the bladder. It secretes prostate fluid – one of the components of semen – and its muscles help propel semen during ejaculation.

Each year, 400,000 men are living with prostate cancer in the UK. Men over 50 are more at risk, as are those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer. 

Prostate cancer which is diagnosed promptly and is restricted to the prostate gland has a better chance of successful treatment.

Prostate cancer: what are the symptoms?

Unfortunately, most men will have no symptoms that the cancer is developing. A growing tumour does not press against anything to cause pain so the disease may be silent for years before diagnosis.

However, in some cases, men may experience:

Pain - some might find it difficult to get an erection or experience pain on ejaculation. Some might develop pains in their back or hips.

Difficulty with or a change during urination - this can be things such as pain during urination, seeing blood in your urine or an increased need to go, especially at night. You may also experience an altered urinary flow rate.

For those who go to the GP with symptoms, tests usually include a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a DRE (digital rectal examination), which involves the doctor examining the prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum.

Depending on the results of these, the GP might make a referral for further tests such as an MRI, an ultrasound or a biopsy.

Prostate cancer: treatment

The sooner it is detected the more treatment options are available for patients on the NHS*.

Many cancers might need no more than monitoring. For those that do need treatment, options include:

• Radiotherapy.

• HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound).

• Cryotherapy, which freezes the affected cells.

• Hormone treatments.

• Surgery to remove the gland, either partially or completely.

Bob Andrews decided to have the whole prostate gland removed via keyhole surgery. This successfully removed the entire cancer. “I was off work for two months,” he says. “My advice is: don’t ignore symptoms. Get them sorted. If you’re lucky, cancer doesn’t have to change your life. Now I’m looking forward.”

For more information about prostate cancer, please visit Prostate Cancer UK.

Members of Benenden Health are also able to use the 24/7 GP advice line, allowing them to speak to a doctor about any health concerns they may have.

*Because the NHS provides good care for cancer, cancer treatment is not included in Benenden Health membership. We may, however, able to assist with prompt diagnosis of any condition following a GP referral. 

About our healthcare

Benenden Health provides affordable private healthcare for everyone, giving you access to services such as our 24/7 GP Helpline and Mental Health Helpline straight away. Once you’ve been a member for six months you can request access to diagnostic consultations and tests.

You'll also have access to a wealth of health and wellbeing articles, videos and advice on a range of health issues.

Medically reviewed in January 2024.