Black men and prostate cancer

Prostate cancer: the facts

1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer. That's double the risk of other men.

As a Black man, you're also more likely to get prostate cancer if:

• you're 45 or over – and your risk gets higher as you get older
• your dad or brother has had prostate cancer.

If you have mixed Black ethnicity you may be at higher risk of prostate cancer than other ethnicities. But we don't know your exact risk because we don't have enough information on prostate cancer in men with mixed Black ethnicity. And we don't know whether it makes a difference if it's you mother or father who is Black.

Download or order our Information for Black men leaflet

I’m a Black man over 45. What should I do?

If you’re a Black man, and you’re over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer. We also strongly recommend you speak to them about having a PSA blood test – a simple test that can help diagnose prostate cancer.

There are advantages and disadvantages to having a PSA blood test, so you should talk to your GP or practice nurse about these before deciding whether to have one. You should also tell them if anyone in your family has had prostate cancer or breast cancer.

Need more information? You can also use our Risk information service to speak to a prostate cancer expert and find out more about your risk.

Or you might find it helpful to take our online Risk checker. More than 190,000 Black men have already completed the Risk checker – and it only takes 30 seconds.

I’m a Black man under 45. What should I do?

As a Black man, you can get prostate cancer at a younger age than other men and your risk increases as you get older. It’s not common for men under 45 to get prostate cancer, but it is possible. So if you notice changes in how you wee, or if it becomes painful, it’s important to get it checked by your GP.

We strongly recommend you speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer and the PSA blood test from the age of 45. But you can also talk to them now if you’re concerned. They will talk to you about the advantages and disadvantages of the PSA blood test to help you decide if it’s right for you.

I don't have any symptoms. Should I still go to my GP?

Most men with early prostate cancer – cancer that’s contained inside the prostate – don’t have any symptoms. 

If the cancer breaks out of the prostate, it's known as locally advanced prostate cancer. If it spreads to other parts of the body, it's known as advanced prostate cancer. At these stages, you might experience other symptoms.

If you do have prostate cancer and it’s found early, there's a better chance that treatment will be able to cure it. But if the cancer has spread there are also treatments to control it and manage any symptoms you might have.

What will happen if I go to my GP?

You can speak to your GP about your increased risk as a Black man and the tests you can have to diagnose prostate cancer. There are a few tests that can find out whether you might have prostate cancer or another prostate problem, such as an enlarged prostate or prostatitis.

It’s normal to feel worried or embarrassed about going to the doctor or having tests. But don’t let that stop you going to talk to your GP. Remember, the tests give your GP the best information about whether you have a problem that needs treating.

Not sure what to say to your GP? We can help with that. To help you with the conversation, print and fill out this simple form and show it to your GP at your appointment.

You can also read more about tests or download our leaflet Prostate cancer and other prostate problems: Information for Black men. Our Risk information service can also help you find out what to expect at a GP appointment.

Are there other Black men I can talk to about prostate cancer?

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We’re here to help.

Our free Black men's One-to-One Peer Support service is like having a friend on the phone who knows exactly what you’re going through. We’ll match you with a trained volunteer who understands what you’re feeling because they’ve been there themselves.

Our trusted volunteers can support you by sharing their own experiences of prostate cancer. You can ask them about making treatment decisions, coping with side effects or how prostate cancer might affect your sex life. And much more.

If you have any questions about prostate cancer or prostate problems and you’d like to speak to a friendly and knowledgeable health professional, our Specialist Nurses are here for you too. You can get in touch by phone, email or live chat.

References and reviewers

Updated: April 2026｜To be reviewed: April 2029