Are millions still delaying prostate treatment?

Last January, King Charles’ treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) put prostate health in the national spotlight, leading to a 1000% surge in visits to the NHS advice webpage on prostate enlargement. Despite this heightened awareness, BPH remains one of the most common health issues facing men as they age, affecting nearly 3 million men in the UK and leading to over 30,000 surgeries annually.

New research from PROCEPT BioRobotics reveals that many men aged 50+ still face significant barriers to seeking medical help, risking their long-term health in the process. The findings shed light on delays in seeking medical advice, gaps in symptom recognition, and the cultural and informational barriers that prevent men from taking proactive steps to safeguard their health.

The research highlights that delays in seeking medical advice are common among men aged 45+. In this group, 63% admit to putting off visiting a doctor, with work (15%) and family commitments (12%) being the most cited reasons. By contrast, men aged 55+ are slightly more proactive, with only 42% reporting delays and 58% saying they always prioritise their health. However, hesitation remains even in this group, with many waiting for symptoms to worsen before taking action.

Aston spoke to Neil Barber, consultant urological and robotic surgeon and Robert Rea.