Originally launched in 2014, Urology Awareness Month is held every September to raise awareness about the health risks and conditions associated with urological cancers—those affecting the prostate, bladder, kidneys, and male reproductive system.
What is the Goal of Urology Awareness Month?
The main objective of Urology Awareness Month is to address the stigma surrounding urological health. Early detection of urological diseases is absolutely critical for timely treatment, significantly increasing the chances of restoring normal health.
Understanding urological issues can help you take better care of your own urological health.
Why Everyone Needs to Understand Urology Awareness Month (Not Just Men)
We all live with the silent possibility of getting cancer, and unfortunately, half of us will face it at some point. Here are some key statistics:
- Prostate Cancer: About 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, primarily affecting men over 50, although younger men may also be at risk[i].
- Common Urological Cancers in the UK: The three most common types are prostate, bladder, and testicular cancers[ii].
- Between 2017 and 2019, an average of 55,093 cases of prostate cancer were reported annually in the UK, with 12,039 deaths during the same timeframe[iii].
- There are no preventable cases of prostate cancer as it hasn't been clearly linked to preventable risk factors. However, early screening can help detect prostate cancer earlier.
- Urological Cancer Diagnoses: Every hour, at least seven people in the UK are diagnosed with a form of urological cancer[iv].
- Bladder cancer affects over 10,600 people each year in the UK, with men being three times more likely to be affected than women[v].
- Around 10,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year, accounting for 3% of all urological cancer cases in the country[vi].
- Prostate cancer remains the most common form of cancer in men in the UK, with 52,000 cases reported annually[vii].
Early detection significantly increases survival rates:
- Bladder Cancer: There is an almost 80% chance of survival if diagnosed early[viii].
- Prostate and Kidney Cancer: Higher survival rates are observed when these cancers are detected early. However, only 1 in 2 cases are diagnosed at an early stage[ix].
One in Every Two Individuals Experience Urology-Related Health Problems[x]
This means nearly half of the UK's population faces health issues related to the bladder and kidneys, and for men specifically, the prostate and reproductive organs. Despite this, stigma, reluctance, and hesitation continue to grow:
- An estimated 6 million people across the UK are affected by bladder incontinence, yet 60% feel too embarrassed to talk about their condition[xi].
Don’t Let a Silent Killer Affect the Quality of Your Life
At Check4Cancer, we believe everyone should have access to the knowledge needed to live healthier and longer lives. However, several barriers often prevent people from getting the necessary screenings:
- Packed Schedules: Many people simply don't feel they have the time for cancer screenings, especially with busy work and home lives.
- Fear and Anxiety: Concerns about potentially worrying test results and uncertainty about next steps can deter people from getting screened.
- NHS Waiting Lists: While people typically rely on their NHS GP for cancer diagnosis referrals, current waiting lists are significant, making timely referrals difficult.
- Stigma and Embarrassment: Some people feel embarrassed or stigmatised at the thought of cancer screening, particularly if they have a family history of cancer or other risk factors such as smoking, drinking, and obesity.
Whether you want to undergo cancer screening on your own or offer it as a benefit to your employees, Check4Cancer offers evidence-based, clinically validated, strongly governed, fast and reliable screens and checks.
Because it’s always better to know…
Take proactive steps towards your health today. Don’t wait—schedule your screening and safeguard your future.
Learn More
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[i] https://prostatecanceruk.org/
[ii] https://www.baus.org.uk/
[iii] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
[iv] https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
[v] https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
[vi] https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
[vii] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org
[viii] https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
[ix] https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
[x] https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
[xi] https://www.theurologyfoundation.org/
