November 3, 2026

With Men’s Health Month taking place throughout November, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust is encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their health by learning the signs and symptoms of cancers that predominantly affect men and seeking medical advice if they have any concerns.

Prostate, testicular and penile cancers can affect men of all ages and while some are rare, early diagnosis can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes.

Around 1,200 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Northern Ireland every year, making it one of the most common cancers affecting men. Between 60 and 80 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer annually, while penile cancer remains rare, with fewer than 20 cases diagnosed each year.

Kirsty McKay, Oncology Nurse Practitioner with the Trust, who specialises in prostate cancer, emphasised the importance of awareness:

“Approximately one in eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms to look out for,” said Kirsty.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can include needing to urinate more often, particularly at night, difficulty or urgency when passing urine, feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied, blood in the urine or semen, and, more rarely, pain when urinating or ejaculating.

For testicular cancer, the most common symptom is a lump or swelling in a testicle, or a dull ache, pain or heaviness in the scrotum.

Penile cancer symptoms can include a growth, sore or lump on the penis, thickened or raised areas of skin, changes in skin colour, bleeding or discharge, or pain and abnormalities beneath the foreskin.

While awareness of symptoms is important, Kirsty explained that with prostate cancer, there may not always be obvious warning signs in its early stages:

“Many men with early prostate cancer won’t experience any symptoms, which is why understanding your personal risk factors and attending any recommended checks is so important,” she said.

The Trust is encouraging men to become familiar with what is normal for their bodies and to seek medical advice if they notice any unusual changes, including lumps or swelling in the testicles, changes to the penis, problems passing urine or any persistent symptoms that cause concern.

Although conversations about men’s health can sometimes feel uncomfortable, Kirsty stresses that speaking to a GP at an early stage can help identify potential problems sooner and, where appropriate, provide reassurance:

“It is so important that you attend your GP if you notice anything unusual. Early detection saves lives,” she explained.

As Men’s Health Month shines a spotlight on men’s wellbeing, the Trust is encouraging men not to ignore changes in their health. Knowing the signs, acting on concerns and seeking advice early can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment, helping men achieve the best possible outcomes.

For more information about prostate cancer, testicular cancer and penile cancer, visit Men and cancer, on Cancer Research UK’s website.