A fifth of prostate cancer patients at the Bolton NHS trust received their diagnosis late, recent analysis reveals, as a borough health chief warns people to be aware of the signs.

Early diagnosis is crucial to survival as just a third of patients live for five years or more once the cancer spreads beyond the prostate.

The figures show 21 per cent of people with prostate cancer were diagnosed at an advanced stage at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust in 2022 – more than the average of 17 per cent in England.

Analysis suggests 121 lives could be saved at the trust if the rate was five per cent, which was the lowest in the country in 2022. Nationally, more than 2,600 deaths were avoidable.

Diagnostics can include biopsies and different type of scans. Seven out of nine were available at the Bolton trust last year.

Patients at the trust also had access to four out of nine treatment options, which can include chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Overall, there were more options for both diagnostics and treatments in the south of England. Trusts there also offered more support services, such as psychological and genetic counselling.

Francis Andrews, medical director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’d encourage everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, as early-stage diagnosis can help give patients better outcomes.

“We know how difficult this can be as symptoms may present later, which can reduce treatment options.

“We will always do what is best for our patients as a diagnosis centre, with patients then treated in conjunction with Salford Royal and The Christie, where they have access to the full range of prostate cancer treatments thanks to partnerships with all other trusts in Greater Manchester.

“Please don’t take any risks but instead ensure you discuss your risk of prostate cancer with your GP.”

Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Unfortunately, early prostate cancer usually doesn’t have any symptoms, which is why men need to be aware of their risk and should take our online risk checker to find out more.

“If you’re at higher risk – which includes all men over 50 – you're entitled to a free PSA blood test from your GP.

“Because of their higher risk, we strongly recommend that black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer should speak to their GP from the age of 45.”

Symptoms may not show up in the early stages of prostate cancer, but the risk factors are well researched, and the trust urges people to use the Prostate Cancer UK risk checker to understand their level of risk.

Chances of developing prostate cancer are higher for black men, men over the age of 50 or for those who have a family history of prostate cancer.

If symptoms do appear, they can include:

  • needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
  • needing to rush to the toilet
  • difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
  • straining or taking a long time while peeing
  • weak flow
  • feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
  • blood in urine or blood in semen

For more information go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/

Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK's specialist nurses on weekdays on 0800 074 8383 or online at www.prostatecanceruk.org

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on X @chloewjourno.