What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and what should you check for?

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer and what should you check for?3 December 2025ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMichelle RobertsDigital health editorGetty ImagesUK experts have recommended that only a small group of high-risk men should be eligible for regular testing for prostate cancer.It is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with around 55,000 new cases every year.What is prostate cancer?The prostate is a gland that is about the size of a walnut which sits just below the bladder within the pelvis.It surrounds the urethra - the tube that takes urine out of the body through the penis.Prostate cancer - abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth - often develops slowly.There may be no signs or symptoms for years and some people never develop any problems from it.But in others, the cancer can be aggressive and deadly.Prostate cancer that's detected early has the best chance for successful treatment.ReutersIn November 2025, former Prime Minister Lord Cameron revealed he had been treated for prostate cancerHow common is prostate cancer?Prostate Cancer UK says one in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives, with about 55,000 cases diagnosed each year.There are about 12,200 prostate cancer deaths every year, according to Cancer Research UK. It is most common in older age - among men over 75. Cases in the under-50s are rare.Your risk of prostate cancer is higher if you have a close relative - a father, brother, grandfather or uncle - who has had prostate cancer.It is also more common in black men.Getty ImagesFormer track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy has advanced, incurable prostate cancerProstate Cancer UK has a 30-second online risk checker. You should speak to your GP if you think you are at higher risk of prostate cancer.Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy announces his cancer is terminalLord Cameron reveals he had prostate cancerBBC sports presenter Kenny Macintyre reveals prostate cancer diagnosisWhat symptoms should people check for?The common ones...