‘I’m so glad I answered those three quick questions’: 4 millionth man takes our Risk Checker

“I would rather know. Because then you can deal with what’s ahead of you. If you catch it early, there are options.” 

This is how Andrew Loughran reflects on one of the most important days of his life - back in 2022, when he decided to check his risk of prostate cancer. 

Andrew’s dad had been diagnosed with the disease five years earlier. And with his 55th birthday coming up, he had a gut feeling that he needed to be proactive. So he took our online Risk Checker to find out more. 

After learning he was at higher risk because of his age and family history of the disease, Andrew visited his GP for a PSA blood test - and following further tests he was told he had prostate cancer. 

“I had no symptoms when I was diagnosed,” said Andrew. “But because we caught it early, the options were so open for me. That’s why I highly recommend that every man over 50 does the Risk Checker.” 

Millions of men have been empowered to make an informed choice

Andrew is just one of the 4 million men who’ve made the same potentially lifesaving choice to check their risk of prostate cancer. 

That’s 4 million men who’ve taken control of their health and empowered themselves to make an informed choice about their next steps. 

In the last 12 months alone, more than 1.5 million men – more than any other single year – have taken 30 seconds to check their risk. 

That’s an incredible statistic – one that means there are potentially thousands of men who’ve gone on to get an early diagnosis as a result.  

And it’s people like you, starting lifesaving conversations with the men in your life, who've helped us reach this amazing milestone. Whether it’s having a word with your dad, bringing it up with your brother, getting through to your grandad or mentioning it to your mates, every conversation counts. 

The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. And if you’re over 50, if you’re Black or if you have a family history of the disease, your risk is even higher. 

But the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. Which is why the Risk Checker is so important.  

It’s just three quick questions – and it only takes 30 seconds. But for men at higher risk, it could give them the vital information they need to speak to their GP about getting a simple PSA blood test.  

And to help these men make an informed choice, we’ve also set up our Risk Information Service - connecting men with a trained officer to answer their questions and provide extra support. 

How Ted took the first simple step to check his risk

Another man who’s thankful he checked his risk when he did is retired technician Ted Sayers. After seeing a feature about prostate cancer on BBC Breakfast in February 2022, Ted took the Risk Checker – which prompted him to visit his GP. 

After further tests, Ted discovered he had prostate cancer. But fortunately it was caught early and he opted to have surgery to remove his prostate. He’s now doing well, without the need for any further treatment. 

“Although I’m 60 years old, I’m very fit and healthy for my age,” explained Ted. “I eat a reasonably healthy diet. I play football once a week, squash twice a week and go running four or five times a week. So I was completely shocked when I got the diagnosis.  

“I had no symptoms whatsoever and, at every point when I was tested and scanned, I was thoroughly convinced there was nothing wrong with me. 

“I’m so glad I did the Risk Checker and answered those three quick questions.” 

Are you one of the 4 million men who’ve checked their risk?

It’s fantastic that 4 million men have checked their risk of prostate cancer. But there are millions more out there who aren’t aware that their age, ethnicity and family history could put them at higher risk of the disease. 

So here’s what you can do to help. Keep talking about prostate cancer. And keep having those conversations with the men in your life, particularly if they’re over 50, Black or if their dad or brother has had the disease. 

Are you one of the 4 million men who’ve checked their risk of prostate cancer? If, like Andrew and Ted, checking your risk led you to get an early diagnosis, we’d love to hear from you. To share your story, you can email Amy at [email protected]