A man sits opposite a nurse. Text reads: Urological cancer

 

Urological cancers affect the organs and structures of the male and female urinary system and the male reproductive system. Bladder cancer forms when the bladder cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Over time, a tumour forms. It can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs. In severe cases, it can spread to distant parts of your body, including your bones, lungs, or liver.

Types of Urological Cancers:

Bladder - Bladder cancer forms when the bladder cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Over time, a tumour forms. It can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs.

Kidney - Kidney cancer is cancer that starts in the kidneys. The kidneys are bean shaped organs near the middle of your back. You normally have 2 kidneys and they are each about the size of a fist. They filter waste products out of your blood as urine. If kidney cancer spreads to another part of the body, it is called advanced or metastatic kidney cancer.

Testicular - The testicles are part of the male reproductive system. Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells in a testicle start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way.

Penile - Penile cancer is a rare cancer in the UK. It happens when abnormal penile cells grow in an uncontrolled way. It can develop anywhere on the penis but is most common under the foreskin in men who haven’t been circumcised or on the head of the penis.

Prostate - Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut.  It is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Some trans women and non-binary people (who are born male) can also get prostate cancer.

A number of factors may affect your risk of developing prostate cancer including things like your family history, ethnicity and age.  For more information about risk we recommend visiting the  Prostate Cancer UK  risk checker:   Check your risk in 30 seconds | Prostate Cancer UK

 

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Page last updated 28 February 2025

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