Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with the number of diagnoses higher than breast cancer for two years in a row.

Over the last 5 years there’s been a 25% increase in the number of cases, with more than 55,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in England in 2023.  Whilst it’s good more men are coming forward to get tested, a shocking 47% are diagnosed at a later stage (when the cancer has already spread) making treatment more challenging and reducing treatment options.

Being aware of these statistics is important because early detection can lead to improved outcomes and greater treatment options.

^{Sources: RCRD, NPCA 2024, Cancer Research UK}

1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Whilst most cases are in men over 50, men of all ethnicities and ages can get prostate cancer, but some are at higher risk than others.

Men often don’t experience symptoms at the early stages but as the cancer grows, it may start to press on the bladder and urethra causing symptoms including:  

Symptoms of prostate cancer that has spread include bone pain, difficulty getting or keeping erections, blood in the semen or urine, and unexplained weight loss.

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms, doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer but it’s important to see a specialist to get appropriate advice, diagnosis, and treatment if necessary.

There’s no single test used to identify prostate cancer, but it can be diagnosed through a combination of tests, including some or all of the following:

• Digital rectal exam 
• PSA blood test
• MRI/mpMRI scan
• Prostate biopsy

If a PSA blood test detects a risk of cancer, more tests will be needed to confirm a diagnosis. These can include an MRI/mpMRI scan and biopsy.

Research has shown mpMRI scans combined with a PSA blood test, improve the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis. By taking the volume of the prostate gland reported from an mpMRI scan and combining it with the results of a PSA blood test it provides a PSA density score which enables us to assess your risk of developing prostate cancer. This is more reliable than a PSA test at showing if your risk of prostate cancer is low and if this is the case, you may be able to avoid further unnecessary tests and treatment.

If results show prostate cancer is present, further tests and scans will help decide next steps and treatment required.  These might include a CT scan, PET-CT scan or a bone scan.

Prostate cancer is not one disease, with treatment options available for the different types, stages and grade of cancer. 

Our consultants tailor treatment plans focussed on the outcomes that matter most to the individual.

The most common treatments for prostate cancer include:

• Surgery: for localised prostate cancer (hasn’t spread outside the prostate gland)
• Radiotherapy (VMAT/SABR): for early-stage prostate cancer (localised or locally advanced)
• Hormone therapy: often used alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy to control cancer growth and manage symptoms
• Chemotherapy: for advanced prostate cancer care with the aim of shrinking the cancer and slowing its growth
• Theranostics: for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer

Traditional radiotherapy can take 20 to 39 sessions over several weeks and may be combined with hormone therapy. 

With MRI-guided SABR delivered on the MRIdian MR Linac, we can effectively treat prostate cancer in just five sessions over five consecutive or alternate days, with fewer side effects than conventional radiotherapy.  That means your prostate cancer can be treated in just one to two weeks, allowing you to get back to your everyday life quicker.

For the 1 in 5 men who experience a recurrence of their prostate cancer, the MRIdian offers the critical advantage of retreatment, which is not usually an option after surgery or traditional radiotherapy.

We’re the leading independent provider of cancer care in the UK, offering fast access to cutting-edge treatment and technology for prostate cancer, combined with compassionate, world-class care.

Our teams of experts include prostate cancer consultants, medical oncologists and advanced radiotherapy practitioners, design personalised care plans based on an individual’s diagnosis and preferences, with treatment starting within days.

We support people through their cancer journey with wellness programmes through our unique partnership with the national charity, Penny Brohn UK and personalised Exercise Medicine programmes proven to give cancer patients the best possible life outcomes.

Our patients can access the latest tests and treatments, covered by all major private insurers or through self-payment.