Black men’s lives are at risk: let's change NHS guidelines now
Too many Black men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer at a later stage – when it’s harder to treat. It shouldn’t be this way.
Our health system is failing Black men
1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer. And they’re twice as likely to die from the disease compared to other men. Now we know there are also significant inequities in the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated - and it’s putting Black men’s lives at risk. It shouldn’t be this way.
Here’s what we know:
- Shocking new data from the National Prostate Cancer Audit shows that Black men have higher rates of stage 3 and 4 prostate cancer diagnosis than any other ethnic group.
- Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at all stages more often than white men.
- Black men in their 60s who get a later diagnosis are 14 per cent less likely to receive life-saving NHS treatments that are proven to be their best chance of a cure.
But there's a simple, life-saving solution
This new data proves the depth of inequity Black men face when it comes to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Current NHS guidelines treat Black men the same as other men with a lower risk – and make it each man’s responsibility to find out about his risk and decide whether to request a PSA blood test. This has to change.
Thankfully, there’s a quick and simple political solution that could smash these inequalities and give thousands more Black men a better chance of a life-saving earlier diagnosis.
We’re calling on the government to update NHS guidelines right now, so that GPs can proactively talk to Black men about prostate cancer from the age of 45.
This straightforward step could start thousands of potentially life-saving conversations with Black men, explaining their higher risk and talking them through the pros and cons of a quick, simple and free PSA blood test.
Now that we have the data, there’s a moral imperative to urgently address this health equity scandal. Every man has the right to the best care and treatment for prostate cancer.
Will you stand with us and tell the government to act now?
The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. But there aren’t usually any symptoms in the early stages – so it’s crucial that men know about their risk and understand their choices. Even if they feel healthy.
That’s why it’s about time we changed the NHS guidelines. And with your support, we can make it happen.
Please stand with us and join our campaign today by signing our letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, asking the government to change NHS guidelines now. Thank you for your support.
