More men than ever are living with prostate cancer with a new diagnosis 'every eight minutes'.

News
Published: 21 August 2026
More than 68,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK every year, equivalent to one diagnosis every eight minutes. As myths and misconceptions about the disease may be preventing men from getting checked, we're encouraging more men to learn the facts about prostate cancer and understand when to speak to their GP. 

Dr Anthony Cunliffe National Clinical Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK 

Our latest estimates show the number of men living with prostate cancer in the UK has grown by 100,000 since 2020. There are now around 600,000 men living with prostate cancer in the UK, compared with around 500,000 in 2020(1).

Official statistics show more than 68,000 men are newly diagnosed in the UK each year(2). That is the equivalent of one diagnosis every eight minutes. 

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the UK. 

The prostate cancer myths that could stop people getting checked 

One of the biggest misunderstandings I hear is that feeling well means you cannot have prostate cancer.  

Many people are surprised to learn that, in reality, prostate cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s important to have a conversation with your GP if you’re worried.  

Some men with prostate cancer may not experience symptoms for many years. Symptoms usually occur when the cancer is large enough to press on the urethra – the tube which passes urine.

Who is most at risk of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer generally occurs in men over 50 but it can develop earlier in some groups, including black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.  

As a GP, if, after discussing testing with a patient, we decide together to go ahead, then we often use a blood test called a PSA (prostate specific antigen).  

Some GPs may suggest an examination of the prostate, because it might give them more information, but this isn’t always necessary and declining one won’t be a barrier to having a blood test.  

So, whether someone with a prostate has symptoms or not, we would always encourage speaking to the GP for more information about prostate cancer and getting tested. 

Prostate cancer screening

Earlier this year, the UK National Screening Committee recommended against screening all men using the PSA blood test, saying it is “likely to cause more harm than good”. 

Experts did recommend that a few thousand high-risk men with a certain gene mutation should be screened for the disease. 

Officials also announced that a screening trial will be expanded so that all eligible black men will be invited to take part.  

Although there is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer, people who are concerned about their symptoms or risk can speak to their GP about testing options. 

Support if you're worried about prostate cancer

If you are worried about prostate cancer symptoms, it’s really important to have a conversation with your GP. 
 
We also have information about the different types of prostate cancer. This includes information about the causes and risk factors and the different treatment options for prostate cancer. 


If you or someone you know is living with prostate cancer, Macmillan is here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:  


More about the author
View Anthony Cunliffe's profile to learn more about his role and his professional background.
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References

 

1. Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer prevalence. Accessed August 2026.

2. Figures derived from the following sources: 

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