Prostate cancer now most common cancer in England- with 'dreadful' North-South divide
Prostate cancer has emerged as the most diagnosed cancer in England, with recent figures from Prostate Cancer UK indicating that it surpassed breast cancer during 2022 and 2023.
The charity highlights that there was a notable 25% surge in prostate cancer cases from 2019 to 2023, attributing this to increased disease awareness and the subsequent rise in early diagnoses. NHS data analysed by Prostate Cancer UK reveals that in 2022 alone, there were 50,751 new prostate cancer cases, as opposed to 48,531 for breast cancer. In 2023, numbers rose further with 55,033 men being diagnosed compared to 47,526 instances of breast cancer.
Chiara De Biase, director of health services, equity and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK,“Unlike other cancers, prostate cancer won’t give you symptoms in its crucial early stages when it’s easier to treat, so as a charity we can’t tell you about tell-tale signs to look out for.
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“That’s why we do everything we can to make every man aware of his risk of getting the disease and empower him to think about his testing options — so that he has the best chance of getting that all-important earlier diagnosis. Because the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat.”
Typically, prostate cancer occurs in men over 50 and is most prevalent among black men. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, scans, and blood tests to check levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA).
Official NHS guidelines in England cater to the over-50s who wish to seek a PSA test, whilst doctors have been handed the reins to gauge whether younger, asymptomatic men carry an elevated threat level of prostate cancer. They can exercise clinical judgement under these specific circumstances. Men presenting symptoms are welcome to request a screening at any age.
Prof Peter Johnson, as the NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, said: “Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and effective awareness campaigns, we are diagnosing more men with prostate cancer at an earlier stage than ever before, so they have the best possible chance of receiving effective treatment. We know that coming forward for prostate checks can be daunting, but it could save your life, so we would encourage men to consult the prostate cancer symptoms advice available on NHS.uk, and to see their GP as soon as possible if they are concerned.”
Nonetheless, Ms De Biase raised alarms over the persistent regional disparities within the UK regarding diagnoses. She also made a call to action, seeking governmental action to revisit the guidelines shaping how GPs communicate risks to their patients.
A spokesperson from Prostate Cancer UK highlighted the concerning lack of a nationwide screening programme, saying: "At the moment, there’s no screening programme for prostate cancer, and not every man has a fair shot at getting diagnosed earlier," She elaborated on the stark regional disparities in diagnosis and treatment by stating: "We face a dreadful North-South divide in the UK, where you’re more likely to get an incurable diagnosis in certain areas than others. Plus, men living in more deprived areas are less likely to get the treatments they need."
The charity is also advocating for a change in dialogues between GPs and patients, especially those at high risk, as she revealed, "Despite all this, GPs aren’t currently allowed to raise the issue of prostate cancer and testing, even with the men who have the highest risk of getting it — something we’re asking the Government to change right now."
Prostate Cancer UK is vigorously calling for public support to revamp dated NHS guidelines. A letter sent to Health Secretary Wes Streeting on January 9 demanded action, asserting: "Too many black men are dying from a curable disease, and you have the power to make changes that could save hundreds of lives every year."