The construction workforce faces heightened prostate cancer risk, requiring urgent awareness, early detection, and employer-led health interventions.
The UK construction sector presents a distinct demographic profile that increases vulnerability to prostate cancer. With approximately 86% of workers being male and a significant proportion aged over 50, the industry aligns closely with the highest-risk population groups for the disease.
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men in the UK, with one in eight men expected to receive a diagnosis during their lifetime. Risk factors include age, ethnicity, and family history, with Black men facing double the risk compared to other groups.
This demographic overlap places the construction workforce at the centre of targeted health awareness campaigns, particularly those focused on early detection and prevention.
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK partnership driving awareness
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has partnered with Prostate Cancer UK to address this issue through industry-wide engagement. The initiative focuses on improving awareness of prostate cancer risk factors, promoting early diagnosis, and encouraging behavioural change across construction workplaces.
CIOB President Paul Gandy emphasised the urgency of tackling health stigma within the sector: “With such a high proportion of built environment workers being male, it makes our sector more vulnerable to prostate cancer than most others, so everyone must understand the risks, the symptoms and how to get tested. Health must never be a taboo subject, but in our industry it often is, and this is something we want to overcome by working with Prostate Cancer UK to get the message far and wide.”
He added: “If you’re a man working in construction, I would strongly encourage you to use the checker. And for everyone, male and female, who manage teams or work alongside others, encourage them to do the same and ensure there’s flexibility around time off to get tested.”
Importance of early detection and PSA testing in construction workers
Early diagnosis remains the most effective way to improve prostate cancer outcomes. For men identified as higher risk, the primary diagnostic tool is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This test is widely accessible through GPs and plays a critical role in identifying whether further investigation is required.
Despite its importance, the UK does not currently operate a national prostate cancer screening programme. This places responsibility on individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, to proactively assess their risk and request testing.
To support this, Prostate Cancer UK has developed a free online risk checker, completed in approximately 30 seconds, which has already been used by more than four million men. The tool enables construction workers to quickly evaluate their personal risk profile and determine next steps.
Digital health tools supporting construction workforce wellbeing
The integration of digital tools into workforce health strategies is increasingly relevant within the digital construction sector. The online risk checker exemplifies how accessible, data-driven platforms can support preventative healthcare at scale.
Encouraging uptake of such tools aligns with broader industry trends around digital transformation, workforce wellbeing, and ESG commitments. Employers and project leaders can incorporate these tools into site inductions, health and safety briefings, and occupational health programmes.
Early detection through routine testing
Nick Molyneux, a senior manager at Mace, demonstrates the value of proactive testing. Despite experiencing no symptoms, a routine PSA test revealed elevated levels, leading to further investigation and an early-stage diagnosis.
He said: “If I didn’t have that blood test, I’d never know, even now. It is really important to get that test, especially if you’re in the higher risk category. It’s a simple blood test and it could save your life.”
Delayed diagnosis and lessons for the sector
Peter Rowe, a construction professional with over 45 years of experience, highlights the consequences of delayed action. Initially attributing symptoms to dehydration, he later required emergency care and was diagnosed with prostate cancer following further tests. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025.
He explained:“It is quite clear to me now that had I thought about what was happening to me and found the time to go to my doctor and ask for a PSA test, surgery may have been avoided.”
His experience reinforces the importance of awareness and timely intervention, particularly in industries where health concerns may be deprioritised.
Embedding prostate cancer awareness into construction health strategies
The construction sector has a responsibility to embed health awareness into its operational frameworks. This includes:
- Promoting prostate cancer awareness campaigns across sites and offices
- Encouraging use of digital risk assessment tools
- Providing flexibility for medical appointments and testing
- Addressing cultural barriers that discourage discussions around men’s health
Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, highlighted the broader objective: “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 rests entirely on men’s shoulders.”
He added that ongoing research, including a £42 million national screening trial, aims to improve future detection methods, but immediate action remains essential.
Improving prostate cancer awareness in construction demands leadership, digital tools, and proactive testing, ensuring earlier diagnosis, better outcomes, and a healthier, more resilient workforce across the sector.
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