Prostate Cancer Awareness

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland in males, which is around the size of a walnut. This gland is responsible for producing semen - the fluid that carries sperm. A man’s prostate sits under the bladder and will naturally get larger as you age. 

Prostate cancer, what is it?  

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It is estimated that one in eight men will get prostate cancer. This rises to one in four among Black men. Cancer can occur when the cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. However, prostate cancer usually develops slowly, according to the NHS, and there may be no symptoms for some years.

Raising awareness of the higher risk in Black men

As mentioned above, prostate cancer is more common in Black men, with a one-in-four chance of getting the disease. The reason is not yet known.

To better understand why Black men are at higher risk of prostate cancer, Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) is funding the PROFILE study in partnership with Movember. Understanding more about the genetics of the disease will help identify men at higher risk, and diagnose aggressive cancer earlier and save lives.

Here is a useful support pack from PCUK about how to speak to your GP about prostate cancer and testing for it, particularly if you’re over 40.

We hope this information has helped answer some of your prostate questions. If you need more information, please visit the PCUK website for helpful advice and guidance.

Please note:

Travis Perkins does not provide any direct support or advice to individuals.