Who is at risk of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 52,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Despite its prevalence, it often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making it all the more important to understand your personal risk.
While age is the most significant risk factor, other elements, such as family history, ethnicity and lifestyle, can also influence your likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Whether you're concerned about your health or simply looking to stay informed, understanding who is most at risk can help you make better decisions about screening, prevention and when to seek medical advice.
Below, we explore the key risk factors for prostate cancer, how these risks might affect you and what you can do to take a proactive approach to your health.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a disease that develops when cells in the prostate, a small gland located between the bladder and the penis, begin to grow uncontrollably. The prostate plays an essential role in male fertility, producing the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
In many cases, prostate cancer grows slowly and may never cause harm in a man’s lifetime. However, for some, it can grow and spread more aggressively. Understanding your level of risk can help guide important decisions about screening and early detection.
Key risk factors for prostate cancer
1. Age Prostate cancer becomes more common as men get older. While it’s rare in men under 50, the risk increases significantly after the age of 50, with the majority of diagnoses occurring in men over 65. If you're aged 50 or over, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and consider regular screening, even if you're feeling healthy.
2. Ethnicity Your ethnic background also plays a role in your risk level. Black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white or Asian men. In fact, Black men in the UK are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to white men.
The reasons for this are still being researched, but if you are a Black man aged 45 or over, most health experts recommend talking to your GP about your risk and whether a PSA test is right for you.
3. Family history Your genetics can influence your prostate cancer risk, especially if you have a father or brother who has had the disease. Having a close relative diagnosed before the age of 65 increases your chances of developing it too.
The risk may also be higher if female relatives have had breast cancer linked to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. In some cases, shared genetic mutations can affect both breast and prostate cancer development.
If you have a family history of prostate or breast cancer, it’s a good idea to discuss your personal risk with a healthcare professional.
4. Obesity and lifestyle factors Although research is ongoing, some studies suggest a link between being overweight or obese and the risk of aggressive or advanced prostate cancer. Diet, physical activity and overall body weight can all influence hormone levels and inflammation, which may play a role in the disease’s progression.
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may not prevent prostate cancer, but they can support better long-term health and potentially lower your risk of more aggressive forms.
5. Other health conditions Some evidence suggests a potential association between prostate cancer risk and chronic inflammation or insulin resistance, conditions that can arise from metabolic syndrome or poorly managed type 2 diabetes.
While the links aren’t definitive, managing underlying health issues can help support a more accurate picture of your health and potentially reduce risks.
What about environmental and occupational risks?
There is ongoing research into whether certain environmental exposures, such as chemicals used in farming, manufacturing or firefighting, might increase prostate cancer risk. Although more data is needed, some studies have pointed to possible links between long-term exposure to industrial chemicals and higher prostate cancer rates.
If you work in an industry where you're regularly exposed to potentially hazardous substances, it’s worth discussing occupational health risks with your GP or an occupational health advisor.
Should you be concerned?
Prostate cancer can affect anyone with a prostate, but if you meet one or more of the risk criteria mentioned above, it's especially important to stay informed and vigilant.
It’s also worth noting that prostate cancer often develops without symptoms in its early stages. That means many men don’t discover they have it until the disease has progressed, which can impact treatment options and outcomes.
This makes regular health checks and early detection all the more important for men in higher-risk groups.
How can you check your risk?
Knowing your personal risk factors is the first step. One simple tool is Prostate Cancer UK’s free online risk checker, which asks a few quick questions to give you a better sense of your risk level in just 30 seconds.
If you're concerned about your risk, or you’ve experienced any signs or symptoms of prostate cancer, you may also want to consider a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test.
This blood test measures the level of PSA in your blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although they can also be caused by benign conditions such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation.
Taking action: PSA testing with Bluecrest Wellness
At Bluecrest Wellness, we offer private PSA blood tests for men aged 40–79. These can be booked as part of our Specialist Cancer Risk Packages for Men, as an optional add-on to one of our full-body health assessments, or as a standalone test.
Our PSA test can help:
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Detect prostate cancer early, even when there are no obvious symptoms
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Monitor PSA levels over time to track changes
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Provide peace of mind with fast, reliable results
Alternatively, the test can be added to any of our full-body health assessment packages, offering comprehensive insights into your overall health and wellbeing, or booked as a standalone test by calling our team free on 0800 652 2183. All of our assessments are designed to fit around your lifestyle. Appointments are available at convenient locations across the UK, and every full health check includes:
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A detailed Results Report, explained in plain language
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A year of free access to a 24/7 GP helpline
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Access to the latest health technologies and expert support
If you're in a higher-risk group or simply want to take a proactive approach to your health, a PSA blood test could provide valuable insights and help you catch any concerns early.
Need help? Call free on
0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.
