Manifesto launch: Saving Black Men’s Lives

This week, we launched our new manifesto to save the lives of Black men, who are more likely to get prostate cancer, more likely to be diagnosed too late for a cure, and more likely to die from the disease than other men. 

Special guests among the 80 attendees included local football hero Bob Hazell, and ITV News’ Des Coleman. They joined Lord-Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE and Sureena Brackenridge, MP for Wolverhampton North East, at the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium for the official launch of the manifesto. This is the culmination of collaborative work with the West Midlands Cancer Alliance.

Why focus on Black men and the West Midlands?

While prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, Black men face double the risk of getting it. And data shows that the West Midlands in particular has a much higher rate of late-stage diagnoses, making it the perfect place to kickstart our drive for change. 

This manifesto is part of our new Black Health Equity strategy, shaped by Black men for Black men. It will ensure that by 2030:  

• More Black men who have prostate cancer are diagnosed at a curable stage.  
• More Black men with prostate cancer feel supported in making an informed decision about their treatment, and  
• More support services are culturally informed, personalised to Black men and actually improve their quality of life. 

What’s in the manifesto?

The manifesto outlines four evidence-based actions to tackle this inequality. These include intercultural competence training, tailored information, a dedicated toolkit, and targeting resources where they are most needed. We're calling on the West Midlands health community to act on these suggestions immediately. 

To promote earlier diagnosis for Black men in the region, we pledge to support the community in implementing these actions. We'll collaborate with our local partners and encourage collaboration between them, as well as provide tailored offers of education, data and evidence, community and engagement, and health improvement. 

What's next?

Speaking on the importance of the manifesto, Keith Morgan, Associate Director of Black Health Equity at Prostate Cancer UK, said, "This manifesto is the start of overcoming decades of inequity that has cost Black men their lives.

It draws the momentum that can only come from working collaboratively. The hard work has only just begun, but with this manifesto to guide the health community I know we can start to achieve the parity of care that Black men and their loved ones deserve."

In partnership with the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, we'll launch a new Regional Bridging fund to invest in community-led partnerships with healthcare providers. The fund will focus on early detection of prostate cancer in Black men - turning intent into real impact for the Black community. 

You can read the manifesto below and feel free to get contact our Black Health Equity team if you have any questions.