How likely is it that I will get prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the prostate – a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid (the fluid that carries sperm). It is one of the most common cancers in older men.

We don’t really know what causes prostate cancer. However, your risk of developing prostate cancer may be related to the following factors:

• Old
• race
• Family history
• Genetic mutations
• Obesity and high-fat diet
• Smoke

Around one in eight men in the UK will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lifeaccording to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Every year, around 47,600 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer. About 11,600 people die from this disease.

Most people who get prostate cancer are older men. The most common age of diagnosis is between 65 and 69 years. 50% of new prostate cancers are diagnosed in men aged 70 or older.

Black men are at particular risk. It is estimated that approx One in four black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Fortunately, prostate cancer is generally a slow-growing tumor. Cancer Research UK Reports that almost eight in ten (77.6%) men diagnosed with prostate cancer in England survive their disease for ten years or longer. Nine out of ten men (90%) aged 15 to 54 or 55 to 64 diagnosed with prostate cancer survive their disease for ten years or longer, compared to 35.6% of men aged 75 to 99 diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Given these statistics, as many men as possible should be screened for this disease.

For this reason, Daily Sparkz is pleased to offer a new one Polygenic risk test This can accurately determine your future risk of prostate cancer.

This test uses a single saliva sample for assessment 130 genetic variants in your DNA. When analyzed, these variants provide a unique risk score for prostate cancer.

A Polygenic risk score (PRS) is calculated by summing the weighted effects of these variants, each contributing a small amount to your overall risk. Individuals in the highest percentiles (e.g., top 10%) are considered to be at increased risk. Each PRS is unique to each individual, allowing for more personalized care and tailored risk assessments.

Knowing your genetic predisposition can help you take early action when your condition is easier to treat. Conversely, it would also allow you to have fewer screening tests if you belong to a particularly low-risk group.

The PRS has some limitations: Although people of black descent have a higher risk of prostate cancer, the PRS test may not perform as well in this group. E can give you advice if you have any concerns.

This test also gives you options. Instead of going to a clinic and having your blood drawn, you can do this test safely in your own home using a home testing kit. All that is required is a saliva sample, so anyone who is afraid of needles can get tested in a way that makes them feel more comfortable.

This new testing method is supported by thorough research in the field of genetics. In a comprehensive study published in The New England Journal of MedicineResearchers identified 745 men with high polygenic risk scores. These tests helped identify prostate cancer in 187 participants. In 74 men, the cancer would not have been detected using current diagnostic methods.

Until recently, most tests for prostate cancer were blood tests that looked for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This antigen is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells.

Most men have some PSA in their blood. While elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, they can also be caused by other, less harmful conditions such as urinary tract infections. If PSA levels are detected in the blood, a doctor will usually order additional tests, such as an MRI scan or a biopsy.

Still, someone with an elevated PSA level may be encouraged to undergo tests and treatments they may not need. A 15-year study published in JAMA found that invitations to a PSA test for men without symptoms had little impact on reducing deaths from prostate cancer.

You should get yours Polygenic risk test If:

• You are a man aged 40 or older
• You want to be proactive about your health
• You are concerned about the health of your prostate
• There are cases of prostate cancer in your family

If you would like to learn more about genetic testing, contact Daily Sparkz today. Call the number listed at the top of this page or click the button below to book a general health or sexual health test near you.

This article has been medically reviewed by Steve Chapman08/04/2025.