Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. 1 in 8 men will get it, and men over 50, Black men, and those with a father or brother who has had prostate cancer are at higher risk. This represents thousands of fathers, grandfathers, colleagues and friends diagnosed every year.

Awareness remains low, particularly in the male-dominated construction industry, where health conversations are not always prioritised. As a professional body committed to the wellbeing of the people who shape our built environment, CIOB believes this must change. 

Speaking about the partnership between CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK, Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK said: “Through our partnership with the CIOB, we aim to support more men across the building and construction industries to get a lifesaving early diagnosis. Prostate cancer is curable if found early, but it’s also the most common cancer without a screening programme, so the responsibility to know your risk and speak to a GP rest entirely on men’s shoulders. That’s why Prostate Cancer UK is leading the way with our £42 million TRANSFORM trial, which will find the safest and most effective way to screen all men in the future.

“But for the here and now, we need men to know their risk, which increases if they’re over 50 and if they’re Black or have a family history of the disease, and chat to their GP about a simple blood test if they are at higher risk. We’ve developed a simple online tool to help, so men can check their risk in 30 seconds by visiting our website or searching “check my risk” today.”

Why construction matters

Construction is one of the hardest sectors to reach with traditional health messaging, yet one of the sectors that needs it most.

• 89% of construction workers are men — rising to 99% on-site
• 32% of workers are over 50, when prostate cancer risk rises sharply
• 850,000+ men in construction could be at high risk of prostate cancer

Many in our workforce face genuine barriers to healthcare, including:

• Self-employment and concerns about lost income from time off
• Long and inflexible working hours
• Limited GP access or registration
• Language, literacy and neurodiversity barriers
• Lower engagement with traditional health services

Prostate cancer pathways can feel complex. Construction life can make them even harder to follow. This is a workforce that keeps the country building. Supporting their health is part of supporting the sustainability of our industry. 

Commenting, Dr Dr Victoria Hills, CEO of CIOB said: “Men working in the construction industry are a vital demographic to reach in making sure there’s good awareness of prostate cancer risks, symptoms and action to take. I encourage CIOB members to get behind this campaign, not just for their own health but for their colleagues, friends and family.” 

A partnership to support our people

CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK are working together to open an important conversation that many men in construction avoid. Through this campaign, we aim to raise understanding, encourage men to check their risk, and share trusted information across our community. This is about demonstrating leadership and taking practical steps to protect the health of our workforce. Looking after our people is not separate from delivering quality and excellence, it is part of it.

What happens if you check your risk?

Many men hesitate because they are unsure what will happen next. The Prostate Cancer UK risk checker may suggest you speak to a GP.

Common tests:

• A PSA blood test

A PSA blood test is often the first step when investigating prostate concerns. A GP will explain what is appropriate and why, so each person can make an informed decision. Some men may have concerns about having a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), often colloquially known as a 'finger up the bum' test.  This test is no longer recommended and if it is suggested, you can say no and ask for a PSA blood test only, after having discussed the pros and cons with your GP. 

If needed, further tests may include:

• An MRI scan
• A biopsy

Each step is about clarity and early detection. Finding prostate cancer early can make it easier to treat and can lead to better outcomes. Checking your risk and acting on it can help men make informed choices about their health.

No one should feel uncertain or alone in this process.

Giving men the power to navigate prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer UK exists to stop men dying from prostate cancer and to support men and their families through it. Through this campaign, we are highlighting the practical support, expert information and long-term investment that helps men navigate the disease with confidence.

Prostate Cancer UK does this by:

• Informing men of their risk of prostate cancer and what they can do about it
• Investing millions to find better treatments and better tests that spot fast-growing cancers early, when it is easier to treat
• Campaigning for an early detection programme that invites men for regular, accurate tests
• Providing accurate, expert support services to men and their families

No one has to face prostate cancer alone. Support is available at every stage — from understanding risk, to diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

CIOB encourages members and the wider construction community to take a simple step today:

Check your risk in 30 seconds using Prostate Cancer UK’s online Risk Checker.

Access trusted health information and support here. 
 

By sharing reliable information and encouraging early action, our industry can help more men feel confident to check their risk, speak to their GP and access support if they need it. Taking action earlier can make a real difference, and starting a conversation today could help someone get the support they need sooner.

Written by Laura Kerby, CEO at Prostate Cancer UK