1 in 4 men do not know or are unsure of general signs
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LONDON: A national survey by Cleveland Clinic London revealed that one in four men in the UK do not know or are unsure of general signs of prostate cancer.
While 87% of UK men think it’s important to receive a regular prostate screening based on a doctor’s recommendation, 27% of men only go to a doctor when they feel unwell. The survey also highlights encouraging attitudes toward prevention: 88% of UK men believe knowing their family history is essential for understanding cancer risk, and an even greater 91% agree that managing other health conditions that may influence cancer risk is critical. These findings show that while awareness of symptoms and risk factors needs improvement, men recognise the importance of proactive health management.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and has now become the most common cancer overall in England, according to Cancer Research UK. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men across the UK.
The survey was taken by a national sampling of 2,000 UK men, 18 years of age and older, in recognition of Movember, a global men’s health movement that focuses on raising awareness about men’s health issues including prostate cancer. The survey looked at three key areas for prostate cancer awareness – risks, symptoms, and screening and prevention.
“Knowledge is power. When men understand the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, they’re more likely to seek help early,” said Prof Senthil Nathan, Cleveland Clinic London chairman for urology and a consultant urological and robotic surgeon. “That can make all the difference. We want every man to feel informed, empowered, and proactive about their health.”
The survey found that 48% of men in the UK do not know or are unsure if they have an increased risk of prostate cancer. Findings also reveal that most men (58%) are unaware that smoking can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Nearly half of UK men (48%) do not realise that genetics can influence prostate cancer risk.
The majority of men surveyed were also unsure of potential symptoms of prostate cancer.
Cleveland Clinic London offers leading-edge treatments for prostate cancer, including:
In July 2025, Cleveland Clinic London announced the expansion of cancer services to offer medical oncology and haematology care – including systemic cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and radiotherapy – with the construction of an 81,000-square-foot cancer centre at 40 Grosvenor Place in Belgravia, London. The completion of construction is anticipated by the end of 2027.
As the latest Cleveland Clinic London location, offering one of the most comprehensive cancer programs in the UK independent market, the centre will deliver the most advanced treatments. Multidisciplinary cancer care will include surgical oncology, medical oncology and haematology, including systemic cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiotherapy tailored to each patient.
Survey Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,085 men. Fieldwork was undertaken between 31st October – 6th November 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK men aged 18 and older.
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
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Cleveland Clinic London is part of the Cleveland Clinic health system that brings its world-renowned model of care to patients across the United Kingdom and beyond. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized throughout the world for its expertise and care. Cleveland Clinic London hospital opened on March 29, 2022, and features 184 inpatient beds, including 29 ICU beds, eight operating rooms, a full imaging suite, endoscopy and cardiac catheterization labs, day surgery rooms, and a comprehensive neurological suite with rehabilitation facilities. The hospital delivers a wide range of services, including cardiovascular and thoracic care, orthopaedics, digestive diseases, urology, neurosciences, ENT, general surgery, general practice, and executive health.
Cleveland Clinic London's outpatient locations include Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre in the Harley Street Medical Area and Cleveland Clinic Moorgate Outpatient Centre at 55 Moorgate Street in London. Both locations provide access to the highest standard of outpatient care, including general practice, specialist appointments, and diagnostics.
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