Dr Xand warns men not to ignore this common sign as prostate cancer becomes UK’s most diagnosed cancer

 Men are being urged to pay closer attention to changes in their urinary health after new figures showed prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK.

According to analysis by Prostate Cancer UK, 64,425 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, a sharp increase of 24% compared with the 51,823 cases recorded the year before. The rise means prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer, which saw 61,640 diagnoses in the same year.

While prostate cancer was already confirmed as the most common cancer in England last year, newly released data from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland has now made it possible to calculate full UK-wide figures for the first time.

Dr Xand’s message to men

Speaking about the figures, Dr Xand van Tulleken has urged men not to dismiss early warning signs — particularly changes related to urination.

He explained that many symptoms are caused by the prostate gland enlarging as men age, which can press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This can lead to:

• Pain or discomfort when urinating

• Needing to urinate more frequently

• Waking up during the night to pass urine

• Sudden urgency to go

• A sensation that the bladder has not fully emptied

Dr Xand stressed that these symptoms are common and not automatically a cause for panic, especially as many men experience them as they get older. However, he warned they should never be ignored.

“Most men, by the time they get to my age, are often getting up in the night,” he said. “It’s not a reason to panic — it is a reason to talk to your GP.”

Why early checks matter

Health experts say the sharp rise in diagnoses is partly due to better awareness and improved detection, but also reflects the fact that prostate cancer often develops silently. In its early stages, the disease may cause few or no symptoms at all.

That makes routine conversations with a GP particularly important — especially for men over 50, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and Black men, who are statistically at higher risk.

A GP may suggest a blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA), alongside further checks if needed. While PSA tests are not perfect, they can help flag potential issues early, when treatment options are wider and outcomes are generally better.

A growing public health issue

Prostate cancer now represents a major challenge for the UK health system. Campaigners warn that rising case numbers could put additional strain on diagnostic services unless awareness improves and men feel more confident seeking medical advice early.

Prostate Cancer UK has repeatedly highlighted that many men delay speaking to a doctor because symptoms feel embarrassing, vague, or easy to dismiss. By the time some men seek help, the disease may be more advanced.

The takeaway for men

Doctors are clear on one point: changes in urination should not be brushed off as “just getting older.” While many causes are harmless, only a medical professional can rule out something more serious.

As prostate cancer becomes increasingly common, health experts say normalising conversations about men’s health — particularly bladder and prostate symptoms — could save lives.

For men noticing persistent changes, the advice is simple: don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either — speak to your GP.

The post Dr Xand Warns Men Not to Ignore This Common Sign as Prostate Cancer Becomes UK’s Most Diagnosed Cancer appeared first on The Flexible Fridge.