Male cancers: Recognising the symptoms and the importance of timely diagnosis

Cancer in men is often associated with prostate cancer, however testicular cancer, penile cancer and male breast cancer also affect many men in the UK every year.

Some are more common than others, but it is important to talk about all of them. They all share one key theme: early diagnosis leads to better outcomes.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. An estimated one in eight men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in men in the UK, after lung cancer.

Prostate cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Difficulty urinating
• A weak urine flow
• Needing to urinate more often
• Blood in urine or semen

Because early prostate cancer can be asymptomatic or present with vague symptoms, it may be missed or not investigated promptly. There is currently no routine screening programme, and longer waiting times across the NHS in 2024–25 have further impacted the speed of diagnosis.

A missed or delayed diagnosis may mean that the cancer has already spread by the time it is identified. This can reduce treatment options, increase the need for more intensive therapy, and worsen side effects.

In the UK, men over the age of 50 can request a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA protein in the blood.

However, PSA testing is criticised for lacking accuracy, as raised PSA levels do not always indicate cancer, and some cancers do not produce high PSA levels at all. For this reason, PSA tests are not routinely used to screen men who do not have symptoms.

To address this gap, Prostate Cancer UK has introduced the Transform trial, the largest prostate cancer screening study ever carried out in the UK. This major research project is testing newer, more reliable methods of early detection, including:

• MRI scans as the first step in screening
• Advanced blood tests that can pick up more precise cancer markers
• Combined diagnostic approaches designed to reduce unnecessary biopsies

If the trial proves successful, it could lead to the first national prostate cancer screening programme, allowing cancers to be found earlier and saving thousands of lives in the future.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men aged 15 to 45, although it remains relatively rare overall. When diagnosed early, it is one of the most treatable types of cancer.

Symptoms can include:

• A small lump or swelling in a testicle (which may be painless)
• Changes in testicle size or shape
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the groin or abdomen
• Sudden fluid build-up in the scrotum

In some cases, early signs are mistaken for infection or inflammation, leading to delays in diagnosis. Because testicular cancer can spread quickly to lymph nodes, early detection is key. It is therefore important to check your testicles regularly and seek medical advice immediately if you notice changes.

Penile cancer

Penile cancer is one of the rarer cancers in the UK, with around 700–760 cases per year. Although most cases are diagnosed in people aged over 50, it can affect younger men as well.

Symptoms can include:

• Thickened or raised areas on the penis
• Discharge or bleeding
• Changes under the foreskin
• A persistent sore, lump or ulcer on the penis

Penile cancer is easier to treat when diagnosed early. However, embarrassment can prevent men from seeking help quickly, and early symptoms can be mistaken for infection or skin irritation.

A delayed diagnosis may lead to the need for more extensive surgery, an increased risk of partial or total penectomy, and additional lymph node surgery. If you notice symptoms, you should contact your GP immediately. If your GP suspects penile cancer, they should refer you urgently to a urologist. Prompt referral to a urologist is crucial when symptoms are present.

Male breast cancer

Although breast cancer is often associated with women, men can develop it too. Around 400 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Low awareness often means symptoms are overlooked or dismissed.

Symptoms can include:

• An eczema-like rash on the nipple
• Nipple retraction, discharge or changes
• A lump in the breast
• An ulcer on the breast skin
• A swelling or lump in either armpit

There are several types of male breast cancer, and further information can be found on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.

When diagnosis is delayed, the cancer may spread to the lymph nodes and require stronger treatment, with a higher chance of recurrence. The emotional and physical impact can be significant.

How can BBK help?

Whatever the type of cancer, spotting symptoms early gives the best chance of successful treatment. Unexplained or persistent symptoms should always be checked by a doctor.

Sadly, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis does sometimes occur. This can have severe and life-changing consequences. At Bolt Burdon Kemp, our specialist medical negligence team supports people affected by cancer misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis and treatment delays.

A successful claim can help secure financial support for your care, rehabilitation, lost earnings and future needs. We also work closely with trusted charities and support services that can assist you throughout your recovery.

Contact our medical negligence team and they will assess your concerns and handle your claim with care and compassion.