This month is Urology Awareness Month which aims to raise awareness of urological diseases including male reproductive cancers. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Bladder Leakage: Time to Act’,which has been chosen to raise awareness of bladder leakage, which affects over 2 million men in the UK who experience bladder problems and urinary incontinence.
Find out more about this year’s campaign:
The Urology Foundation: Urology Awareness Month 2025
What are the main types of male urological diseases?
Urology is a broad category encompassing the urinary and male reproductive systems. Common urological diseases that affect people with male reproductive organs include:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (also known as an enlarged prostate)
- Prostatitis
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
- Erectile dysfunction
- Prostate cancer
- Overactive bladder
Testing for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males in the UK, and, on average, more than 56,000 males get diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. This means that 1 in 8 males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime with the likelihood increasing to 1 in 4 for black males.
The cancer develops in the prostate gland; however, it can spread to other areas of the body. When this happens, the prostate cancer is described as being metastatic.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include changes in urinary habits and pain whilst urinating or ejaculating. Blood may be present in the urine or semen, and advanced prostate cancer can cause widespread pain and weight loss.
Testing for prostate cancer involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test which is a simple blood test to measure for the level of PSA which is produced by the prostate gland. Following this, a digital rectal exam is carried out which involves feeling the prostate for any lumps or abnormalities. Further investigations like an MRI or a biopsy may be required.
Prostate cancer and clinical negligence
Unfortunately, there can be instances where prostate cancer is not adequately diagnosed or tested for by medical professionals.
Examples of potential negligence include misdiagnosis of prostate cancer as another less serious condition, a delayeddiagnosis of prostate cancer or when concerning test results are not progressed appropriately.
Failure to diagnose prostate cancer or a delay in diagnosis can lead to more invasive treatments, pain and suffering, and sadly in some cases death. Making a medical negligence claim, although no substitute for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, can help to alleviate some of the financial consequences.
Have you experienced negligence in detection of prostate cancer?
If you or a loved one has experienced such a failure to diagnose or a misdiagnosis of prostate cancer, please get in touch. We can help you raise a complaint about your care and, where possible, investigate a medical negligence claim on your behalf.
Please get in touch with one of our understanding medical negligence specialists on 0800 987 8800 or make a free online enquiry here and we will contact you. Alternatively, email us at medneg@bmcf.co.uk.
Medical Negligence Specialists – Bridge McFarland LLP
medicalnegligence.co.uk is owned and operated by Bridge McFarland LLP, an established and nationally recognised law firm renowned for specialist expertise and experience in this complex area of law. With our determination and commitment to providing our clients with an exceptional standard of service, we have held the highly regarded Lexcel quality mark since June 2008.