By Neil Shaw

Copyright walesonline

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, yet many cases are diagnosed late. Medical negligence firm Simpson Millar is urging men and their families to take urinary changes seriously – because early detection can be life‑saving. Each year, around 55,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Survival rates depend heavily on timing: almost 79% live ten or more years if caught early, but for advanced cases the five‑year survival rate drops to around 49%. Simpson Millar warns many men dismiss symptoms as part of ageing, delaying medical advice with potentially serious consequences. Certain groups also face higher risks. Black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer, with a one in four lifetime risk, compared to white men, who have a one in eight lifetime risk. Kate McCue, Senior Associate Solicitor in Simpson Millar’s Medical Negligence team, said: “Men over 50, black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer are advised to speak to their GP about their risk. They may be offered a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and examination, with referral for further investigation if results are concerning.” Nine symptoms of prostate cancer most people ignore Prostate cancer often develops quietly, and early signs can be subtle. Simpson Millar highlights the symptoms that should never be overlooked: Many of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions. However, Simpson Millar warns that ignoring them risks delaying diagnosis – and with prostate cancer, every week matters. Kate said: “It is important to remember that these symptoms do not always mean prostate cancer. As men get older, the prostate gland can become larger naturally due to a condition called benign prostate enlargement, and while it is not cancer, it can cause many of the same urinary problems, such as a weak flow or needing to go to the toilet more often. Any persistent or changing urinary symptoms should always be checked by a GP.” Wider research from the British Association of Urological Surgeons shows a stigma around men’s urological health. Nearly one in five men would rather talk about the meaning of life than raise urological concerns with a doctor. Fear, embarrassment and the belief that symptoms will clear up on their own stop many men from getting checked. Kate said: “Urology Awareness Month is about breaking the silence around conditions that too many people still feel embarrassed to discuss. Ignoring symptoms only increases the risk of serious illness being diagnosed late. The statistics are staggering, but what really matters is ensuring people understand the signs, get timely medical support, and know their rights if something goes wrong.”