NHS Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator
This independent UK risk-factor checker helps you review the main established prostate cancer risk factors. It does not diagnose cancer or calculate a personal percentage risk.
Prostate cancer risk-factor checker
What affects prostate cancer risk?
Age, Black ethnicity and family history are the three main established risk factors highlighted by Prostate Cancer UK. Risk increases with age and prostate cancer mainly affects men aged 50 or over. Black men and men with a family history can have higher risk from a younger age. Certain inherited gene variants, including BRCA2, can also raise risk.
Why this checker does not give a percentage
There is no simple NHS questionnaire that can accurately turn these few answers into an individual probability of prostate cancer. A percentage generated without a validated clinical model could be misleading, so this tool identifies risk factors and directs you towards appropriate discussion and testing information instead.
How to use the checker
- Enter your age.
- Select your ethnic background.
- Indicate whether your father or brother has had prostate cancer.
- Indicate whether you know you have a BRCA2 gene variant.
- Select Check risk factors and read the guidance.
Symptoms and PSA testing
The NHS says prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at first. Possible later symptoms can include difficulty starting urination, weak flow, needing to urinate urgently or often, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, and sometimes unexplained weight loss or lower-back pain. These symptoms can have other causes, but should be discussed with a GP.
A PSA blood test cannot by itself tell whether you have prostate cancer. A raised result can have non-cancer causes and may lead to further investigations. Men and anyone with a prostate can ask a GP about PSA testing and discuss its benefits and limitations.
Worked example
A 55-year-old Black man with no known family history would have two established factors in this checker: age over 50 and Black ethnicity. The result would recommend discussing risk and PSA testing with a GP; it would not claim that he has cancer or assign a percentage probability.
Limitations
This checker is an educational risk-awareness tool. It does not include PSA results, examination findings, MRI, biopsy, complete family genetics or other clinical information and cannot diagnose or rule out prostate cancer.
Authoritative sources
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FAQs
What are the main prostate cancer risk factors?
Increasing age, Black ethnicity and family history are important established risk factors. Some inherited gene variants such as BRCA2 also increase risk.
Does prostate cancer always cause symptoms?
No. The NHS says prostate cancer often has no symptoms at first.
Can a PSA test diagnose prostate cancer?
No. PSA can show that there may be a prostate problem, but a raised PSA does not by itself diagnose cancer.
Should I speak to a GP if I am worried?
Yes. The NHS advises speaking to a GP if you have concerning symptoms or are worried about your prostate cancer risk.
Medical disclaimer: This independent calculator provides general risk-awareness information only. It is not an NHS diagnostic service, does not calculate a validated cancer probability and cannot replace assessment by a GP or specialist.