Addressing Disparities: Calls for Proactive Prostate Cancer Screening for Black men in the UK
A growing concern over disproportionately high prostate cancer rates adn delayed diagnoses among Black men in the UK is prompting calls for earlier conversations about preventative testing and systemic changes within the National Health service (NHS). With approximately 55,300 new prostate cancer cases diagnosed annually in the UK, and projections indicating a 15% rise in the next 15 years, advocates are emphasizing the urgent need for targeted intervention.
the issue stems from a combination of factors, including a higher biological risk for prostate cancer in Black men and a documented cycle of mistrust in the healthcare system, leading to late intervention and preventable deaths. This disparity is the focus of a new podcast series, “A Dialog of Equals,” a collaboration between Black men, healthcare professionals, and community advocates.
Spearheaded by Leroy Scott,TV presenter Michael Morgan,and Dr. Sara Paparini, a senior lecturer in public health and equity at Queen Mary University of London, the podcast originated from personal experiences shared amongst “black men of a certain age” regarding their interactions with the NHS. The aim is to foster open dialogue and challenge the NHS to adopt a more holistic approach to Black men’s health.
“For too long, black men have been failed by the very system that is meant to keep us well,” stated Scott. “Every week I’m going to a funeral of a black man who has died of cancer.” He and his colleagues are advocating for improved relationships between communities and the NHS, valuing both lived experience and expert knowledge equally. They also seek to empower Black men to hold the NHS accountable for equitable care.
Morgan highlighted the cultural barriers to discussing health concerns, stating, “As men we are terrible at talking about things…We’re told that as black men we’re a hard to reach group. Funny they say that when the police find it very easy to reach us.”
The podcast features insights from leading medical professionals, including Professor Prabhakar Rajan, a professor of urology and robotic surgery at Queen Mary University of London, and Prof Habib naqvi, the chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory.
A key advice is initiating conversations with Black men earlier about Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests, a tool used to indicate potential prostate cancer. Beyond individual screening, advocates are pushing for broader NHS reforms. These include improving recruitment and promotion of Black staff, notably into leadership roles; partnering with Black-led organizations to rebuild trust; enhancing transparency of health data; and increasing independent oversight of treatment received by Black men.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the increased risk faced by Black men and is currently backing a £16 million trial by Prostate Cancer UK aimed at improving detection methods, with a goal of ensuring 1 in 10 participants are Black men. Though, any changes to national screening programs will be guided by the recommendations of the UK National Screening committee, which is currently reviewing the latest evidence.The department also emphasized ongoing efforts to improve cancer treatment and prevention through technology and the establishment of community diagnostic centres.
