Black men and prostate cancer

I’m a Black man and I'm 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 - that's 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 120,000 Black men have already completed the Risk checker - and it only takes 30 seconds.

I’m a Black man and I'm 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 uncommon 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. 

Symptoms usually develop when prostate cancer grows near the urethra (the tube you wee through) and presses up against it. When this happens, you might notice changes in the way you wee.

But more often prostate cancer starts to grow in a different part - usually the outer part. This means it doesn't press against the urethra and cause these 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 about the digital rectal exam (DRE)?

The first step in finding out if you have prostate cancer is a simple PSA blood test. It will help your doctor decide if you need more tests, including an MRI scan. You don’t need to have a digital rectal exam (DRE) - sometimes referred to as a ‘finger up the bum’ - to find out if you might have cancer.  

However, if you have symptoms, a DRE can help your doctor work out if there’s something wrong with your prostate and if you need treatment. It’s natural to feel worried or embarrassed about having a rectal exam and some men find the idea of having one upsetting – but you can decide not to have one. 

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. 

Your GP will talk to you about your test results and what they mean.  If they think you may have a prostate problem, they may make an appointment for you to see a specialist at the hospital.

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.

What can I do if my doctor doesn't want to give me a PSA blood test?

If you’re a Black man over 50, you have the right to a PSA test if you've thought carefully about the advantages and disadvantages. If your GP doesn't agree to give you a PSA test, you can ask to see another GP or practice nurse, or make a complaint. Read more about what you can do.

If you’re a Black man aged 45-49, you can ask for a PSA blood test but you should think carefully about the advantages and disadvantages first. We have guidelines for health professionals that explain why men like you, who are at higher risk of prostate cancer, should consider getting tested at a younger age than current medical guidelines suggest. You can also complete our Risk Checker and use the results to show your doctor that you have a good reason for requesting a PSA blood test. If your GP still won’t give you a test, here are few things you can do. You can also talk to one of our Specialist Nurses on 0800 074 8383.

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 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. 

Prostate cancer and other prostate problems

Information for Black men. This leaflet explains about prostate cancer and other prostate problems, including who is at risk and what changes to look out for.

Download or order leaflet