‘Black men can’t wait any longer’: thousands sign letter calling for change to NHS guidelines

The Government must act now to change outdated NHS guidelines and give Black men the best chance of a lifesaving early diagnosis. 

That's the urgent message we've delivered to politicians in Westminster, after almost 10,000 people signed our open letter calling for change. 

We want to see ministers take immediate steps to overhaul the current guidelines, so GPs can talk to Black men about their risk of prostate cancer from the younger age of 45.  

This simple change would empower GPs across the UK to start thousands of potentially lifesaving conversations with Black men, explaining why they’re at higher risk and talking them through the pros and cons of a quick and easy blood test to check for the early warning signs. 

Black men can’t wait any longer. So we made sure our message was heard loud and clear, with campaigners gathering outside Parliament to hand-deliver our letter to the Department of Health and Social Care. 

Why it’s about time we changed these outdated NHS guidelines

1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer. And compared to other men, they’re twice as likely to die from the disease. 

It’s a shocking statistic – but unfortunately, that’s not all. We also know there are significant inequities in the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, which are putting Black men’s lives at risk. Here’s how: 

• Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at all stages more often than white men. 
   

• When it comes to advanced disease, Black men have higher rates of stage three and stage four prostate cancer than any other ethnic group. 
   

• Black men in their 60s who get a later diagnosis are less likely to receive NHS treatments that are proven to be their best chance of a cure. 

Today, our health system is failing Black men. And that’s why it’s about time the Government changed these outdated NHS guidelines. 

“When it comes to prostate cancer, Black men are at higher risk than other men. But on top of this, we also know Black men face major inequities in the way they’re diagnosed with the disease and in terms of the treatment they receive,” said Junior Hemans, Chair of our Black Men's Health Advisory Group. 

“It shouldn’t be this way – and it doesn’t have to. Because there’s a simple step the Government can take today that would give GPs the power to start potentially lifesaving conversations with Black men from the younger age of 45. 

“Ten thousand people have made their voices heard loud and clear by signing this letter. Now ministers must take action to update NHS guidelines right away.” 

How your support is driving real change for Black men

We’re not alone in calling for change. More than 9,700 passionate supporters like you have signed our open letter to the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting MP, demanding urgent action. And thanks to you, our voices are being heard. 

In Westminster, several politicians – including Ben Obese-Jecty, Calvin Bailey MBE, Josh Babarinde OBE, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Lord Darren Mott OBE – have all backed our campaign and used their profile to get MPs talking about prostate cancer in Parliament.  

Importantly, the Health Secretary himself has spoken out on prostate cancer too, publicly acknowledging the need for more targeted screening based on men’s risk. 

And our campaign has also been making waves beyond Westminster, with celebrities from the worlds of music, sport and entertainment coming out in force to support our letter and put pressure on ministers to act. 

From heavyweight boxer Daniel Dubois and former England international Les Ferdinand to broadcaster Floella Benjamin and musician Omar Lye-Fook, famous names have thrown their weight behind our campaign by signing the letter.  

“We need to do more for men in the UK who are at highest risk of prostate cancer,” said Calvin Bailey MBE, who is Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on prostate cancer – an influential committee of MPs.  

“Prostate Cancer UK have identified a change to current clinical practice, rooted in the evidence, which will help save lives.  

“GPs should be able to talk proactively to men at highest risk of prostate cancer about their options. It’s not complicated and can make a big difference.” 

What ministers must do now to help save Black men’s lives

The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. But in the early stages of the disease, most men don’t experience any symptoms. That’s why it’s crucial that every man knows about his risk and understands his options. 

By taking our campaign to Westminster and placing our open letter right at the top of the Health Secretary’s in-tray, we’re putting more pressure on the Government than ever before to change the NHS guidelines straight away.

Chiara De Biase, our Director of Health Services, Equity and Improvement, said: “Right now, GPs are unable to talk about prostate cancer with men because of dangerously outdated guidelines. Instead, it’s up to men to know about their risk and ask for a blood test.  

“This impossible situation means too many men, especially Black men, are diagnosed when their prostate cancer is harder to treat. 

“These men can’t wait any longer – the guidelines need to change now. Making this quick and easy change will save men’s lives. And it could be done with the stroke of a pen.” 

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