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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal prostate cells develop, often from mutations in the cell DNA, and grow in an uncontrolled way.

Quick facts about prostate cancerQuick facts about prostate cancer

  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
  • More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that’s 144 men every day.

Types of prostate cancerTypes of prostate cancer

Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas – cancers that develop from the gland cells (the cells that make fluid within the prostate).

Other rare types of cancer that can begin in the prostate include small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumours (other than small cell carcinomas), transitional cell carcinomas and sarcomas.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancerSigns and symptoms of prostate cancer

As signs and symptoms for prostate cancer can be similar to other common conditions, it’s important to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms below. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis.

In the early stages of prostate cancer you may not experience symptoms, but as the disease progresses you may experience some or all of the following:

  • Frequent need to urinate

  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination

  • Sudden urge to urinate

  • Reduced flow of urine

  • Blood in urine or semen

  • Lower back pain or pain in the hip area

  • Unexplained weight-loss

  • Fatigue

Stages of prostate cancerStages of prostate cancer

The TNM system is used to stage prostate cancer, and it helps doctors understand what your cancer looks like.

The TNM stands for:

  • Tumour – The degree to which the tumour has affected other tissue
  • Node – Is a measure of whether lymph nodes have been affected
  • Metastasis – The degree to which the cancer has spread to other organs of the body.

Along with the TNM information, your doctor will also take into consideration your PSA (prostate specific antigen) level from a blood test, as well as your Gleason score to help determine the stage of your cancer. The Gleason score is usually based on the results of a biopsy of the prostate, and it provides an indication of how quickly the cancer will grow and spread.

Stage I prostate cancer Stage IIA prostate cancer Stage IIB prostate cancer Stage III prostate cancer Stage IV prostate cancer
Stage 1 Prostate Cancer

Stage I

The tumour is present in half or less than half of the prostate, and has not spread.

Stage 2a Prostate Cancer

Stage IIA

The tumour may be present in more than half of the prostate, and has not spread.

Stage 2b Prostate Cancer

Stage IIB

The tumour has not spread outside of the prostate.

Stage 3 Prostate Cancer

Stage III

The tumour has spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate, but not to lymph nodes.

Stage 4 Prostate Cancer

Stage IV

The tumour has spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes or other organs of the body.

Treatment for prostate cancer

There are many different types of treatment for prostate cancer. Your treatment options will depend your cancer and you.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions about prostate cancerFAQs

Is prostate cancer hereditary?

Approximately 5 – 10% of all prostate cancer cases are thought to be hereditary (passed on from one family member to another).

Gene mutations that have linked to prostate cancer include:

  • HOXB13 – this gene is involved in the development of the prostate gland. Mutations in this gene have been linked to early onset cases of prostate cancer, although this gene mutation is uncommon
  • BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 – mutations in these genes have been linked to breast and ovarian cancers in women, however they are also implicated in prostate cancer in men, particularly BRCA 2 gene mutations
  • MSH2 and MLH1 – these genes help repair mismatched DNA. Mutations in these genes can result in a condition called Lynch Syndrome, which increases the risk of prostate, colorectal and other cancers
  • RNASEL (also known as HPC1) – this gene helps to remove cells that begin to function abnormally. Mutations in this gene mean these abnormal cells are no longer destroyed, which can lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

The majority of prostate cancer cases are thought to be caused by an acquired gene mutation, which means cell mutations that occur during a man’s lifetime, rather than mutations being passed down from generations.

What causes prostate cancer?

While there is no single cause of prostate cancer, factors that can increase your risk include:

  • Being over 50 years
  • High levels of testosterone
  • Family history of cancer, such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancers.
How common is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year on average – that’s 144 men every day.

What can I do to decrease my risk of prostate cancer?

While there is no one way to prevent prostate cancer from developing, there are some lifestyle-related factors which can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

These include:

  • Regular exercise – Aim for at least 30 minutes per day
  • Eating a balanced and healthy diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight – maintain a healthy weight, within the normal BMI (Body Mass Index) range of 18.5 – 24.9kg/m. To calculate your BMI = (weight(kg))/(height(m)).
What’s the risk of having prostate cancer again?

Here are some useful links to help you understand the risks of developing prostate cancer again, or being affected by a second type of cancer:

More information

Helpful links
Treatment for prostate cancer Find a consultant
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