Prostate cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United Kingdom, overtaking breast cancer for the first time, according to a major new analysis. The findings have prompted urgent calls to address a stark "postcode lottery" in testing and diagnosis that leaves men's survival chances dependent on where they live.
A Nationwide Picture of Rising Cases and Inequality
The charity Prostate Cancer UK analysed NHS figures and found there were 64,425 diagnoses of prostate cancer in 2022, compared to 61,640 new cases of breast cancer. This shift is attributed in part to successful risk-awareness campaigns, which have encouraged more men to come forward for checks.
However, the data reveals deeply troubling disparities. The analysis shows a significant variation in the stage at which men are diagnosed. In Scotland, 31% of men received a stage 4 diagnosis, when the cancer has already spread, compared to 21% in England. Men residing in more deprived areas were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer than those in affluent regions.
Chiara De Biase, Director of Health Services, Equity and Improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, stated: "Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, but despite this, men are facing deeply unfair inequities across the country." She emphasised the need for an early detection programme to tackle these regional gaps.
The Risk Factors and the Screening Debate
The statistics underscore the profound impact of the disease. Approximately one in eight men in the UK will be affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime, leading to around 12,200 deaths annually. The risk is even higher for black men, with one in four likely to be diagnosed, and they face a greater chance of a late-stage diagnosis.
The report identified a clear "postcode lottery" in testing, with rates of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests highest in south-east England and lowest in the north-west. This geographical inconsistency contributes to the survival gap.
This comes amid ongoing debate about national screening. In November, a government advisory panel recommended against a widespread screening programme for most men, citing risks of overdiagnosis—where harmless cancers are identified. Instead, they advised targeted screening every two years for men aged 45-61 with specific high-risk genetic variants (BRCA1/BRCA2).
Charities continue to campaign for broader access for high-risk groups, including black men and those with a family history of the disease.
Response and the Path Forward
In response to the growing burden, the NHS in England recently expanded access to the drug abiraterone, a treatment that can significantly extend life for thousands of patients. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson highlighted this move and ongoing efforts to cut cancer waiting times.
Ian Walker of Cancer Research UK cautioned that the rising diagnosis figures could be influenced by overdiagnosis through PSA testing in men without symptoms. Nevertheless, the consensus is clear: while awareness is saving lives, systemic change is needed to ensure equity. As De Biase concluded, "We urgently need an early detection programme that will address these regional inequities" to ensure all men, regardless of location or background, have the best chance of an early, curable diagnosis.
