Some people across the UK are being encouraged to take a quick 30second online quiz to check their risk of prostate cancer. This is the most common cancer in men.

Created by Prostate Cancer UK, the Risk Checker asks just four questions and then explains whether you may be at higher risk, along with what you could consider doing next. It comes as high-profile figures such as Sir Chris Hoy have spoken about the disease.

The Scottish Olympic legend, who has stage 4 prostate cancer, previously said he initially brushed off a warning sign as getting older. In a BBC documentary, Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage and Me, he recalled: "It was the summer of 2023.

"I had a pain in my shoulder and just assumed it was a sign of getting older. Aches and pains, as you expect." But as it later transpired, he has prostate cancer.

Thats why its important for men to pay attention to whats normal for them. If anything changes - whether its a new lump, swelling, or symptoms that dont feel right - its best to speak to a doctor sooner rather than later.

Take this 30-second cancer quiz

November Prostate Cancer Awareness month, Man in blue shirt with hand holding Blue Ribbon for supporting people living and illness [November Prostate Cancer Awareness month, Man in blue shirt with hand holding Blue Ribbon for supporting people living and illness]
A 30-second online quiz is helping men check their risk of prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer UK says: "It's the most common cancer in men, but the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. Answer four quick questions to check your risk."

The cancer experts add that "if you're a trans woman or non-binary, your risk may be different." Because of this, it asks people to read the information for trans or non-binary people instead.

You can read about the questions below.

  • The first question is "How old are you?" - you have a range of ages to select from

  • The second question is "Has your father or brother had prostate cancer?" - answer yes or no

  • The third question is "Black men are more at risk of prostate cancer. Do you have Black or mixed Black ethnicity?" - answer yes or no

  • The fourth question is "Some men have rare variations in their BRCA genes that increase their risk of prostate cancer. Have you, or your parents or siblings ever been told that you have a variant in a BRCA gene?" - answer yes or no

Low risk

After youve answered each question, it will assess your risk. For example, if it considers you low risk, it might say something like: "Youre currently at low risk of getting prostate cancer.

"You dont currently have any of the main risk factors for prostate cancer, but 1 in 8 men will get it in their lifetime." While naming key risk factors and other facts that could be useful, it stresses: "You can still get prostate cancer even if you dont have any of the risk factors.

"So, if you notice changes in how you wee, or if it becomes painful, its important to get it checked by a GP."

High risk

If your answers suggest a higher risk, it will say: Youre at a higher risk of getting prostate cancer. It will also explain why, based on what youve told us.

For example, the fourth question asks: "Some men have rare variations in their BRCA genes that increase their risk of prostate cancer.

"Have you, or your parents or siblings ever been told that you have a variant in a BRCA gene?"

If you click yes, it explains: "If you have a BRCA gene variant you have a high risk of getting aggressive prostate cancer. These variations are found in roughly 1 in 300-400 people but are more common in some groups of people, such as people with Jewish heritage.

"It's recommended that some groups of men with BRCA gene variations are invited for prostate cancer screening. You can read the latest information about prostate cancer screening and how to get genetic testing on the NHS here."

Free cancer guide - how to get it

Prostate Cancer UK says it can feel like a lot to take in, especially if the Risk Checker says you may be at higher risk. If you get a high-risk result, you can choose to receive an email with your result and a free practical guide.

It includes questions to ask your GP and links to other helpful support. To get it, just enter your email.

What is prostate cancer?

Cancer Research UK explain: "Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland, a gland at the base of the bladder. It is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

"Most prostate cancers start in the outer gland cells of the prostate. They are called acinar adenocarcinomas. Many of these cancers grow extremely slowly and are not likely to spread. But some can grow more quickly."

What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?

The NHS says prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. But as it grows or spreads, it can press on the urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis - and cause changes to how you pee.

This could mean you experience:

  • peeing during the night

  • "stop start" peeing

  • feeling like you still need to pee when you've just finished

  • having a weak flow of urine

  • finding it difficult to start peeing or straining to pee

  • needing to pee urgently or often, or both

Other symptoms can include:

  • blood in your urine or blood in your semen

  • lower back pain and losing weight without trying to (these may be symptoms of advanced prostate cancer)

  • erectile dysfunction (being unable to get or keep an erection)