Bringing up the ‘c word’: how to start a lifesaving conversation about prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England. As many as 1 in 8 of our dads, brothers, grandads, partners and mates will get it. And if you’re Black, your risk is even higher.  

But today, far too many men don’t know their risk and what they can do about it. That’s why talking about prostate cancer with the men in your life is so important.

A simple chat – while you’re out walking the dog or having a drink in the pub – could turn out to be a lifesaver. Because if you find prostate cancer early, it’s much easier to treat. 

But bringing up the ‘c word’ is easier said than done. It can be upsetting to think about it, especially when it involves people you love, and it’s often hard to find the right words. 

So we asked some of our most experienced supporters: how do you start a conversation about prostate cancer? 

Simple tips to start a lifesaving conversation

As a nurse, Karen Bonner has been there to support people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. And she says her own family’s experience of prostate cancer has helped her truly understand what it’s like to lose a loved one. 

Her father, Egbert, died of prostate cancer in 2014, and she suspects her grandad and uncle may have had the disease as well. So Karen has made it her personal mission to tell her story, raise awareness and help educate people in her community.

“I understand that starting a conversation about prostate cancer can be daunting. Some guys simply don’t want to address the topic,” says Karen.  

“That’s why I’m here to help. I genuinely want to share important information about the PSA blood test and reassure everyone that it’s their right to ask for one. I’m also passionate about helping men identify symptoms early on.  

“Acknowledging and respecting people’s fears is vital, especially given the historical challenges faced by Black individuals in healthcare. Those feelings are absolutely valid. My aim is to listen with compassion, validate their emotions, and provide the right information while emphasising how crucial early testing can be.” 

Thanks to her efforts to raise awareness, several of Karen’s friends have already decided to speak to their GP. And one of them, who discovered he had prostate cancer, was diagnosed early enough for it to be treated successfully. 

When it comes to starting a conversation with someone for the first time, Karen says wearing her Prostate Cancer UK ‘Man of Men’ badge is a great way to get the ball rolling. 

“I love it when people notice my pin badge,” she says. “It’s a chance for me to share my story.  

“To me, it’s like wearing a badge of honour, showing my commitment to spreading the word. Many of my friends are aware that I lost my dad to prostate cancer, and it often sparks some really heartfelt conversations.  

“These moments allow others to open up about their own experiences, and I’m super thankful for those connections. It’s essential to keep the conversation going and to support each other.” 

When you find prostate cancer early, it's easier to treat

Chris Malish’s dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2019. Chris knew there was a history of the disease in his family, so he decided to start having regular PSA blood tests to check for early warning signs. 

When one of those tests picked up an increase in Chris’s PSA levels, he went on to have an MRI scan and a biopsy, which revealed signs of prostate cancer.  

Thankfully Chris found it early, and decided to have surgery to remove his prostate. And now he uses his experience to talk to other men about it – from friends and family members to colleagues at work and teammates at his local rugby club. 

“There’s still a lot of people out there who aren’t aware of their risk,” says Chris. “The more people know, the more able they are to make informed decisions.” 

When people take the time to ask him how he’s finding life after prostate cancer, Chris uses it as an opportunity to start a bigger conversation. 

“I usually start when people ask me how I’m doing,” he says. “Then I move into some of the facts and figures I’m aware of from my family’s experience of the disease. I always stress the importance of getting tested, rather than waiting for symptoms. I was tested earlier and found it earlier - and this may have saved my life.” 

It only takes 30 seconds to check your risk of prostate cancer

So talk to the men in your life about prostate cancer. By making sure they know their risk and what they can do about it, you can give them the chance of a lifesaving early diagnosis. Because when you find it early, it’s much easier to treat.  

It’s not about luck or fate. It’s about men taking charge of today, so they can enjoy more tomorrows - surrounded by friends, family and loved ones. 

And it all starts with just 30 seconds. That’s all it takes for a man to check his risk of prostate cancer online. 

CHECK MY RISK IN 30 SECONDS