Less than a third of men can spot signs of most common cancer, poll shows

Exclusive: Even among at-risk older men fewer than two-thirds had any faith they could spot signs of prostate cancer

The disease can be diagnosed by blood test rather than an offputting rectal exam, which the study showed was often inaccurate (Blend/Rex Shutterstock)

Less than a third of men say they can spot the warning symptoms of prostate cancer, which recently became the UK’s third biggest cancer killer, polling by YouGov reveals.

Prostate is the most common cancer in men, and even though men aged over 50 are most at risk the data shows only one-third of those aged 50 to 64 rank themselves as very (6 per cent) or fairly (22 per cent) confident.

Shared exclusively with The Independent to coincide with Men’s Health Week and Father’s Day, charities said “we still have a long way to go” on raising awareness, though more cancers are being caught earlier.

“Prostate cancer can cause some urinary symptoms, including needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night, or difficulty in starting to pass urine,” Laura James, a senior specialist nurse at Prostate Cancer UK told The Independent.

But not every man has these symptoms, and it is particularly important to know whether you’re in an at-risk group, which also includes black men and men with a family history of the disease.

Awareness was particularly poor in London, the YouGov data shows, with just 15 per cent of men saying they could confidently identify symptoms.

This is worrying considering the capital has a larger at-risk black population than other parts of England, and compares to 26 per cent of men knowing the signs in the North – the region with the second lowest awareness.

There are 47,000 diagnoses a year, and the disease will affect one man in eight at some point in their lifetime.

While there are 11,000 deaths a year, treatment is often successful if caught early – and knowing the symptoms can ensure men see a doctor and get diagnosed.

Many men are concerned about discussing prostate symptoms with their doctor because of the prospect of an uncomfortable digital rectal examination, but most verification is now done by blood test.

A recent study by Hull Medical School found the physical examination did not identify many men who were later diagnosed with prostate cancer, and may even harm survival by deterring some from seeking help.

“Prostate cancer awareness has improved significantly over the years, and we’re seeing more men being diagnosed at an early stage and successfully treated,” Ms James added.

“However, in comparison to other cancers, we still have a long way to go.”

Prostate Cancer UK is running March for Men events across the country this weekend to raise awareness, and is urging everyone to talk to the men in their lives about the risks.