DOCTORS are supporting prostate cancer awareness month this month in a bid to educate men about the disease.

Dr Mike Ions, chief clinical officer at East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Prostate symptoms are similar to a number of other harmless conditions but it's important to be aware of them.

“It is important to have anything unusual assessed. Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine and difficulty urinating should be checked out, especially if you find yourself getting up several times during the night."

It is estimated that by 2030, prostate cancer will be the most common cancer in the UK.

For some, the first noticeable symptoms are where prostate cancer has spread to their bones. If this happens, men may notice recurring pain in their back, hips or pelvis. These symptoms could be caused by other problems.