Our first Black Community Golf Day raises awareness of heightened prostate cancer risk

The sold-out event was organised by our Black Health Equity team alongside Ray Nyabola of Black British Golfers and Mark Henry of the African Caribbean Golf Association. Players enjoyed a day of golf, camaraderie and purpose – all while spotlighting a disease that disproportionately affects Black men. Those in attendance included Premier League legend Andy Cole and radio and television presenter, DJ Spoony.

Too many Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer too late

Black men face double the risk of prostate cancer, with 1 in 4 likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 for other men. Despite the disease being curable if caught early, outdated NHS guidelines and health inequities mean too many Black men are diagnosed too late and miss out on potentially life-saving treatments.

Nyabola, Founder of Black British Golfers, said he hopes the event is the first of many and why raising awareness in the Black community is so important: “This event proves the power of golf beyond the fairways. The game has always been about community, and we showed how it can also be a catalyst for life-saving conversations. We’re proud to stand alongside Prostate Cancer UK and Mark to drive awareness where it’s most needed.”

Henry, Chair of the African Caribbean Golf Association, added: “The turnout at The Addington says a lot about how important the messaging is in the Black community and demonstrates the appetite for combining sport with purpose. For us, it’s about ensuring Black men understand their risk and feel empowered to act. Golf brings people together, and today was about uniting passion for the game with action on health.”

Check your prostate cancer risk in just 30 seconds

We’re encouraging golf clubs, associations and players to support future events and direct men to our risk checker tool to save lives.

“Golf is the perfect bridge to reach men at risk. It can open up conversations in a familiar environment and helps us deliver critical messages that can save lives,” said Kevin Howell, Black Health Equity and Engagement Officer at Prostate Cancer UK.

“We know prostate cancer is curable if it’s caught early, but too many Black men are at risk of dying because they’re being diagnosed too late. Not only that, Black men in their 60s who get a later diagnosis are 14% less likely than White men of the same age to receive potentially life-saving treatments on the NHS.

“This was our first Black community golf day, and it won’t be the last,” he added.

Check your prostate cancer risk