Male Cancer Awareness Week 2025

On average 530 men are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, with the most common cancers affecting men being prostate, lung, bowel, skin and head and neck. 

This week is Male Cancer Awareness Week, running from 15 to 21 September and this year the focus is on early detection. 

The campaign aims to raise awareness of male-specific cancers and highlight the importance of recognising the early signs, seeking timely medical advice, and reducing stigma around men’s health issues. 

Almost 90,000 men die of cancer in the UK every year but the good news is that cancer survival rates have risen over the years. The 10-year prostate cancer survival rate has risen from 21 per cent in the 1970s to 79 per cent today. 

The vast majority of cancer cases – more than 90 per cent – are thought to have been caused by people’s lifestyles, while fewer than one in 10 were believed to be the result of genetic factors. 

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing cancer and many other health problems. Avoiding all tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake and eating a healthy diet are all key elements of healthy living, as are maintaining a healthy weight and taking part in regular exercise. Limiting exposure to direct sunlight is also important. 

Cancer screening is a vital part of reducing the risk and the pain and suffering of patients and their loved ones. Screening is targeted at higher-risk groups and can help to detect cancer or cancer risks at an early stage, improving the chances of preventing the disease or treating it successfully. Patients are advised to take up any screening appointments they are invited to. 

More information on male cancers can be found on the Cancer Research UK website.