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Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland under the bladder and usually happens to men over 50 years old. There are different treatments and it can often be cured if diagnosed early.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Symptoms

Causes of prostate cancer

Causes

Tests and next steps for prostate cancer

Diagnosis

Treatment for prostate cancer

Medical treatments

Prostate cancer may not have symptoms at first. You may get symptoms later, such as peeing problems, lower back pain, tiredness and weight loss.

You're at higher risk of prostate cancer if you're over 50 years old, come from a Black ethnic background or have a family history of prostate cancer.

A biopsy and scans such as an MRI can help to confirm if you have prostate cancer and what stage it's at.

Prostate cancer may not need immediate treatment. If treatment is needed, it may include surgery, hormone therapy and radiotherapy.

Main symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms at first.

Prostate cancer usually starts to grow on the outer part of the prostate. This means it does not press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis (urethra) and cause symptoms, until the cancer has grown or spread.

If this happens, it can cause changes to the way you pee, such as:

  • finding it difficult to start peeing or straining to pee
  • having a weak flow of urine
  • "stop start" peeing
  • needing to pee urgently or often, or both
  • feeling like you still need to pee when you've just finished
  • peeing during the night

Other symptoms can include:

  • erectile dysfunction (being unable to get or keep an erection)
  • blood in your urine or blood in your semen
  • lower back pain and losing weight without trying to (these may be symptoms of advanced prostate cancer)

See a GP if:

  • you're having trouble peeing or have other symptoms of prostate cancer
  • you're over 40 years old and genetic tests have shown that you have a faulty version of a gene called BRCA2 (this raises your risk of prostate cancer)
  • you're worried about your risk of prostate cancer

You can ask your GP about having a blood test (PSA test) that shows if there are any problems with your prostate, even if you do not have symptoms.

They'll consider your cancer risk to help them decide if the test is the right choice for you.

Who is more likely to get prostate cancer

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age and mostly affects men over 50 years old.

Anyone with a prostate can get it.

You may have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer if:

  • you're over 50 years old
  • you're from a Black African or African Caribbean ethnic background
  • you have a history of prostate cancer in your family
  • a close relative has had pancreatic cancer, breast cancer or ovarian cancer, particularly at a young age – because prostate cancer is sometimes caused by the same inherited genes (a faulty version of a gene called BRCA2)

Important

Speak to a GP if you're worried about your prostate cancer risk, even if you do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms of prostate cancer do not always appear until the cancer has grown or spread.

Tests to diagnose prostate cancer

If you're referred to a specialist because there's a chance you could have prostate cancer, you'll have an MRI scan. This can give a clearer view of the prostate and show if you need any more tests.

If your specialist needs to find out more, they may suggest a test called a biopsy. This is where a small needle is put into the prostate to take a tissue sample so it can be checked for cancer cells.

Main treatments for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer does not always need treatment.

If the cancer has not spread, your care team may suggest monitoring your cancer to see if it is growing or not.

When they know how the cancer is behaving, they can decide what treatment is best for you.

Treatments for prostate cancer include surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. If the cancer has spread, you may need chemotherapy.

A specialist care team will look after you during your treatment. If you have any concerns, speak to them. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

Where to find help and support for prostate cancer

If you have prostate cancer, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer UK

Information and support for anyone affected by prostate cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Macmillan

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Prostate Cancer Research infopool

Information for anyone affected by prostate cancer.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.