One in five men don’t know any of the signs of prostate cancer

Research from Aviva reveals that UK men are making positive steps in relation to preventative healthcare. However, there’s still a way to go – particularly in relation to prostate cancer. 

Over half (55%) of the men taking part in the survey said that they check their cholesterol and over two thirds (67%) check their blood pressure at least once a year. Over three in five (62%) check their heart rate and over three quarters (77%) check their weight. All these actions are positive steps that can help early identification of risks associated with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.¹

However, it’s a different story for prostate cancer awareness, which made up around a third (30%) of Aviva’s individual critical illness cancer claims paid for men last year. Fewer than half of men (46%) were either very or somewhat aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer. A further quarter (25%) said they knew a couple of symptoms and a concerning one in five (20%) said that they didn’t know any of the symptoms.

Worryingly, this lack of awareness was highest in men aged 45-54 years – with a quarter (25%) of men in this age group saying that they weren’t aware of any of the symptoms of prostate cancer. This is particularly concerning as age specific incidence rates rise steeply from around 45-49 years – peaking in the 75-79 age group.²   

When asked to select symptoms that could relate to prostate cancer men correctly identified blood in urine (35%), needing to urinate more frequently (33%) a weak urine flow (29%), feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully (26%), difficulty in starting to urinate (26%), taking a long time to urinate (23%) and blood in semen (23%). Over one in five (22%) couldn’t identify any symptoms.

When it comes to other types of cancer, over a quarter of men (28%) said that they never check their skin for changes to the shape or size of moles. Over one in five (21%) said that they never check for other changes to their body – such as lumps or signs of change to their testicles.  Of those who do check for signs of change to their body, fewer than half of men (45%) check themselves at least once a month.

While this falls further in the older age groups, reassuringly, it increases to over half (51%) for men aged 25-34, when testicular cancer incidence rates generally peak. This age group also checks themselves more regularly.

Aviva’s research also highlights concerning trends when it comes to seeking medical advice.

While over half (56%) of men said that they seek medical advice as soon as they feel unwell, three in ten men (30%) said that they have put off seeking medical treatment in the past year. Over a third of these (39%) wanted to wait to see if the issue would go away on its own first and around three in ten (29%) didn’t want to make a fuss. 

Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director, Aviva UK Health said: “It’s concerning that there seems to be a lack of awareness of the symptoms of prostate cancer, with fewer than half of the men taking part in our survey saying that they have some awareness of the symptoms.  This lack of awareness peaks at an age when men are most at risk of getting the condition.

“Common symptoms include needing to urinate more frequently – particularly at night, needing to rush to the toilet, a weak flow and blood in the urine or semen.

“If prostate cancer is caught early, the prognosis can be much improved – treatment can be given quicker, helping to reduce the risk of advanced cancer or metastasis – where the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. All these things can help improve survival rates.

“It’s important that we familiarise ourselves with the symptoms and don’t put off seeking medical advice if we have any concerns.”

Find out more about Aviva's research.

Find out more about prostate cancer risk.

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References:

^{1. The research was conducted by Censuswide with 1,000 nationally representative UK men, aged 16+ between 02.05.2024 - 09.05.2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.}

^{2. Prostate cancer incidence statistics - Cancer Research UK}

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