What are the most common cancers in men?

If you’re trying to get a clearer sense of men’s health risks, certain cancers stand out. A little awareness can go a long way in recognising when something needs checking.

Here, we explore the most common cancers that affect men, outline typical symptoms and risk factors and explain how the Bluecrest male cancer risk check can help you make sense of your health in a meaningful way.

The most commonly diagnosed cancers in men

Statistics from Cancer Research UK show that prostate, bowel and lung cancers together account for more than half of all cancers diagnosed in men in the UK. Skin and bladder cancers are among other common types seen each year.

Knowing which cancers are most common in men gives you a clearer sense of what symptoms are worth paying attention to.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, which sits below the bladder and plays a role in semen production. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in UK men. Around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.

In many cases early prostate cancer doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear they can include back, hip or pelvic discomfort, feeling tired for no known reason or unexplained weight loss.

Risk increases with age, especially after 50, and certain factors like family history and ethnicity also play a part. For example, men of Black African or Caribbean heritage tend to have a higher lifetime risk.

Bowel cancer

Bowel cancer (sometimes called colorectal cancer) affects the large intestine or rectum. NHS data shows it’s one of the most common cancers in men as well as women.

Signs can be easy to miss, such as changes in your bowel habits, any blood when you go to the toilet, or unexplained tiredness.

These signs can come from many causes, but if symptoms last more than a few weeks it’s sensible to get them checked.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is another frequently diagnosed type in men. Smoking is the strongest risk factor, but the disease can also occur in people who have never smoked, partly due to air pollution and other environmental exposures.

Typical symptoms include a cough that won’t go away, breathlessness, coughing up blood and tiredness that doesn’t improve. These symptoms are often linked to less serious conditions, but persistent changes should be discussed with a GP.

Melanoma and other skin cancers

Skin cancer is common in both men and women, and melanoma is the most serious form. UK data shows melanoma features among the top cancers seen in men.

Look out for moles or skin patches that change in size, shape or colour, or that begin to itch or bleed. Most skin changes turn out to be harmless, but early review can make treatment easier if needed.

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer also appears regularly in UK men. Smoking increases the risk, as does exposure to certain chemicals and long-term irritation of the urinary system.

Blood in the urine, needing to go more often or pain during urination are all symptoms that are worth checking out, even though they’re often caused by non?cancerous conditions.

A closer look at risk factors

Cancer doesn’t usually have a single trigger. Age, family history, genetics, environment and lifestyle all influence risk. For example, smoking is a major risk factor for lung and bladder cancers, while being overweight and inactive affects bowel and prostate cancer risks. Many of these influences are interconnected, and having a risk factor doesn’t mean cancer will definitely develop.

Some cancers, like prostate cancer, are linked strongly to age and genetic factors, which you can’t change. Others, such as lung or bowel cancer, have strong lifestyle links, giving you some degree of control through choices like quitting smoking, eating well and keeping active.

Why noticing changes early matters

Early awareness can make a meaningful difference. Many cancers are easier to treat when found at an early stage, before they’ve spread or caused further harm. General cancer symptoms to be aware of include unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, unusual bleeding, lumps or changes in skin appearance.

Symptoms are often caused by benign conditions, but if something feels new, persistent or just “not quite right”, it’s worth talking to a healthcare professional. Catching problems early means your GP can reassure you or arrange tests that determine what’s going on.

How the Bluecrest male cancer risk check supports you

The Bluecrest Male Cancer Risk Test is designed to help you understand your health in a broader context. It looks at biomarkers and risk factors linked with the most common male cancers, including indicators like hormone levels and inflammation markers.

This check is not diagnostic and doesn’t confirm or rule out cancer. Rather, it provides insight into your risk profile and helps support more informed conversations with your GP. It is most suitable for men aged 40 to 79, when markers tend to give the clearest picture of cancer?related risk factors.

Understanding your risk profile can make some health decisions feel less uncertain. It can help you notice patterns in symptoms, think about lifestyle adjustments and decide whether you want further screening or specialist advice.

Taking the next step

Knowing the most common cancers in men and the signs to look for helps you stay informed and proactive about your health. Bluecrest Male Cancer Risk Test offers a comprehensive overview of key health markers and potential risk factors. Appointments are available across the UK, and all results are processed through accredited laboratories to ensure accurate, reliable insights.

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Need help? Call free on 0800 652 2183 to speak to one of the team.