September marks Urology Awareness Month in the UK, a time to spotlight some of the most common cancers affecting men, including prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers. In 2025, research has delivered hopeful news: smarter screening tools, updated survival stats, and new treatments are improving lives. For cancers where early detection changes everything, this year’s findings show why awareness-action-survival remains a powerful equation.
H2: Key Facts
- Prostate Cancer: ~63,000 men diagnosed yearly; the most common male cancer in the UK1.
- Bladder Cancer: There are about ~10,600 new cases annually, with 56 per cent of cases being in people aged 75 or over2.
- Kidney Cancer: ~13,000 new diagnoses per year across genders3.
- AI Screening: Artificial intelligence has been used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening to assist in prostate cancer diagnosis4.
H2: Fast Facts About Urological Cancers in the UK
Cancer Statistics Table
| Cancer Type |
Number Diagnosed Annually |
Main Preventable Risk Factor |
10-year Survival |
Highest Risk |
| Prostate |
~63,0001 |
No single risk factor, but a healthy lifestyle can reduce risk. |
~80 per cent5 |
Getting older, having a family history of prostate cancer, and being Black6. |
| Bladder |
~10,6002 |
Smoking7 |
~45 per cent8 |
Men, over 60 who smoke9. |
| Kidney |
~13,0003 |
Smoking10 |
More than 50 per cent11 |
Men, over 60, smoking, being overweight, and having high blood pressure. |
| Testicular |
~2,30012 |
No measures known. |
~90 per cent13 |
White men, men who have a history of undescended testicles, or who have a family history of the disease4. |
| Penile |
~76015 |
Infection with HPV16 |
~70%17 |
Men over the age of 50 with HPV or phimosis18. |
Common Risk Factors of Urological Cancers
Most urological cancers are commonly diagnosed after age 50, with age being firmly established as the strongest single risk factor for developing bladder and prostate cancer, and incidence rates rising sharply in those over age 5519.
Smoking is a major risk factor, accounting for about half of all bladder cancer cases and significantly increasing the risk of kidney cancer as well7,20. Both current and former smokers face a considerably elevated risk for these malignancies.
Obesity is strongly associated with increased risk for kidney cancer and more aggressive or advanced prostate cancer, reflecting the impact of metabolic and hormonal changes related to excess body weight21,22.
A family history of urological cancers, especially prostate and kidney cancer, further elevates individual risk, likely due to shared genetic factors and inherited susceptibility23.
Occupational exposures, particularly to industrial dyes, solvents, and certain chemicals, significantly contribute to bladder cancer risk, as these substances can damage the bladder lining after being filtered and concentrated in the urine24.
2025 Research Highlights on Urological Cancers
AI-Enhanced MRI Rivals Radiologists in Prostate Cancer Detection
A 2024 Lancet Oncology study found that AI tools analysing prostate MRIs matched or outperformed radiologists in identifying clinically significant cancers (csPCa) using PI-RADS v2.1 scoring25. This could standardise prostate MRI reporting, reduce missed diagnoses, and support AI-assisted NHS screening models.
ctDNA Testing Cuts Bladder Cancer Recurrence by 40 Per Cent
A 2025 study in Cancers used circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) to guide follow-up care in early-stage bladder cancer patients26. ctDNA-negative patients had significantly reduced recurrence rates. This blood test could personalise bladder cancer surveillance, reducing unnecessary procedures and catching recurrence earlier.
Genomic Profiling Helps Stratify Kidney Cancer Risk
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the NHS and 100,000 Genomes Project have revealed molecular subtypes of renal cell carcinoma that have different prognoses27,28. More precise classification means patients can avoid over- or under-treatment and access tailored therapies.
Focal Therapy Offers Low-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients a Middle Ground
Studies backed by NICE and Imperial College London found that High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) preserved organ function and reduced side effects in men with low-risk prostate cancer29,30. HIFU could be a cost-effective alternative to surgery or radiotherapy for eligible patients.
Early Detection is Reshaping the Future of Urological Cancers
Early detection is rapidly improving outcomes for urological cancers, with survival rates for prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers increasing dramatically when diagnosed at early stages.
In the UK, prostate cancer screening primarily relies on PSA testing, but studies such as the ReIMAGINE trial and new research into AI-assisted MRI show promise for more accurate detection and may influence future NHS policy, as MRI can identify cancers missed by PSA alone and reduce overdiagnosis of low-risk disease31,32.
Liquid biopsy techniques, including urine ctDNA and other novel markers are transitioning from clinical trials to broader use, with strong evidence supporting their sensitivity and utility for monitoring bladder cancer recurrence and minimal residual disease33.
Many kidney cancers are detected early via incidental imaging like ultrasound and CT during investigations for unrelated issues, while expanding screening protocols and multi-region MRI could make kidney cancer detection more proactive34.
Advancements such as Ezra’s MRI Scan with Spine are now available in the UK, offering non-invasive screening of the prostate, kidneys, and bladder without radiation.
What You Can Do This Urology Awareness Month
Get Involved
- Donate to charities such as Prostate Cancer UK, Fight Bladder Cancer, and Kidney Cancer UK to boost research and patient support.
- Take part in local fundraising events, including walks, runs, or workplace initiatives, to raise money and awareness.
- Wear a blue ribbon or pin during September to visibly show your support for urology health and spark conversations.
Spread the Word
- Share key facts on social media, such as “1 in 8 UK men will get prostate cancer,” to help others understand the importance of awareness.
- Use relevant hashtags like #Urologyawareness, #KnowYourRisk, and #MensHealthUK for better outreach and community building.
- Post or repost trusted graphics from organisations like the NHS and Cancer Research UK to help educate others.
Find or Join a Community
- Join UK support groups and online forums, including Tackle Prostate Cancer, Bladder Cancer UK, and Macmillan, for information and community support.
- Encourage friends and relatives over 50 to book a GP appointment and discuss urological health issues or risk factors.
- Consider scheduling a private scan if concerned; early detection offers peace of mind and can make a lifesaving difference.
Every action and conversation this month drives greater visibility, reduces stigma, and unites communities across the UK.
Summary
September’s Urology Awareness Month in the UK shows a rapid increase in prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer cases, but also brings hope through advances in screening, survival statistics, and new tailored treatments. Early detection is important for securing the best outcomes, and the public is encouraged to get involved by supporting charities, sharing awareness on social channels, and joining communities to foster research, reduce stigma, and save lives.
Want to be proactive about your urological health? Ezra’s MRI Scan with Spine screens for potential cancer in up to 14 organs, including the prostate, kidney, and bladder. Non-invasive, fast, and AI-enhanced. Book your scan today.
References
1. About prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer UK. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer/
2. Bladder cancer incidence statistics. Cancer Research UK. May 14, 2015. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/bladder-cancer/incidence
3. Kidney cancer statistics. World Cancer Research Fund. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/kidney-cancer-statistics/
4. Eklund M. Artificial intelligence for scoring prostate MRI: ready for prospective evaluation. The Lancet Oncology. 2024;25(7):827-828. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00284-5
5. Survival for prostate cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival
6. Prostate Cancer Risk Factors. Prostate Cancer UK. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/are-you-at-risk/
7. Risks and causes of bladder cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer/risks-causes
8. Survival for bladder cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer/survival
9. Causes of bladder cancer. nhs.uk. April 24, 2025. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/causes/
10. Kidney cancer causes and risk factors. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/kidney-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors-of-kidney-cancer
11. Survival for kidney cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/kidney-cancer/survival
12. Testicular cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/testicular-cancer
13. Survival for testicular cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/testicular-cancer/survival
14. Risks and causes of testicular cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/testicular-cancer/risks-causes
15. Penile cancer statistics. Cancer Research UK. June 29, 2015. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/penile-cancer
16. Risks and causes of penile cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/penile-cancer/risks-causes
17. Survival for penile cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/penile-cancer/survival
18. Risks and causes of penile cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/penile-cancer/risks-causes
19. Xue M, Guo W, Zhou Y, et al. Age-sex-specific burden of urological cancers attributable to risk factors in China and its provinces, 1990–2021, and forecasts with scenarios simulation: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Reg Health West Pac. 2025;56:101517. doi:10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101517
20. Theis RP, Dolwick Grieb SM, Burr D, Siddiqui T, Asal NR. Smoking, environmental tobacco smoke, and risk of renal cell cancer: a population-based case-control study. BMC Cancer. 2008;8:387. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-8-387
21. Nam GE, Cho KH, Han K, et al. Obesity, abdominal obesity and subsequent risk of kidney cancer: a cohort study of 23.3 million East Asians. Br J Cancer. 2019;121(3):271-277. doi:10.1038/s41416-019-0500-z
22. Liu W, Li W, Wang Z, Zhu Y, Ye D, Zhang G. Metabolically Abnormal Obesity Increases the Risk of Advanced Prostate Cancer in Chinese Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy. Cancer Manag Res. 2020;12:1779-1787. doi:10.2147/CMAR.S242193
23. Hemminki K, Kiemeney LA, Morgans AK, et al. Hereditary and Familial Traits in Urological Cancers and Their Underlying Genes. Eur Urol Open Sci. 2024;69:13-20. doi:10.1016/j.euros.2024.08.011
24. Letašiová S, Medveďová A, Šovčíková A, et al. Bladder cancer, a review of the environmental risk factors. Environ Health. 2012;11(Suppl 1):S11. doi:10.1186/1476-069X-11-S1-S11
25. Eklund M. Artificial intelligence for scoring prostate MRI: ready for prospective evaluation. The Lancet Oncology. 2024;25(7):827-828. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00284-5
26. Katsimperis S, Tzelves L, Feretzakis G, et al. Circulating Tumor DNA in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Implications for Prognosis and Treatment Personalization. Cancers. 2025;17(12):1908. doi:10.3390/cancers17121908
27. Houlston R, Culliford R, Lawrence S, et al. Whole genome sequencing refines stratification and therapy of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Res Sq. Published online December 6, 2023:rs.3.rs-3675752. doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3675752/v1
28. Sosinsky A, Ambrose J, Cross W, et al. Insights for precision oncology from the integration of genomic and clinical data of 13,880 tumors from the 100,000 Genomes Cancer Programme. Nat Med. 2024;30(1):279-289. doi:10.1038/s41591-023-02682-0
29. Efficacy summary | Interventional procedure overview of focal therapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound for localised prostate cancer | Focal therapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound for localised prostate cancer | Consultations | NICE. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.nice.org.uk/consultations/1771/4/efficacy-summary
30. Focal therapy for prostate cancer is cost-effective and may improve patient outcomes. November 24, 2023. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/news/focal-therapy-for-prostate-cancer-is-cost-effective-and-may-improve-patient-outcomes
31. Marsden T, Lomas DJ, McCartan N, et al. ReIMAGINE Prostate Cancer Screening Study: protocol for a single-centre feasibility study inviting men for prostate cancer screening using MRI. Published online September 1, 2021. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048144
32. How AI could ensure every man gets a safe and accurate diagnosis. Prostate Cancer UK. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://prostatecanceruk.org/about-us/news-and-views/2024/11/how-ai-could-ensure-every-man-gets-a-safe-and-accurate-diagnosis/
33. Zhou Y, Wang R, Zeng M, Liu S. Circulating tumor DNA: a revolutionary approach for early detection and personalized treatment of bladder cancer. Front Pharmacol. 2025;16. doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1551219
34. Vasudev NS, Wilson M, Stewart GD, et al. Challenges of early renal cancer detection: symptom patterns and incidental diagnosis rate in a multicentre prospective UK cohort of patients presenting with suspected renal cancer. BMJ Open. 2020;10(5):e035938. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035938
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