Prostate Cancer, Why Waiting Costs Lives!
Brothas, this is straight talk.
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms early on, which is why so many men get blindsided.
In the UK, Black men face double the risk. 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer (compared with 1 in 8 White men). Black men are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment options shrink and outcomes worsen
This is not just a UK story. In the U.S., Black men have a 67% higher incidence and are about twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as White men. Those gaps reflect later diagnosis and unequal access to timely care not biology alone.
Here’s what the evidence says to do:
Know your risk & act early. Prostate Cancer UK now recommends that all Black men aged 45+ speak to their GP about a PSA blood test. Do not wait for symptoms. A quick conversation and a simple blood test can start the right checks.
Understand the test. The PSA test is not perfect, but it’s a critical flag that can prompt further scans and follow-up, exactly what saves lives when cancer is still confined to the prostate.
Family history matters. If your dad/brother had prostate cancer, or your mum/sister had breast cancer, your risk goes up. Tell your GP.
Leaders move first. Book the consulation with your GP, then tell another brother you did it. Early detection is power.
If you have already taken the step to be screened, consider sharing your experience and insights with peers and colleagues.
Your example can help normalise proactive health action, encourage early detection and strengthen a culture where men, particularly Black men, prioritise their well-being.
Your leadership in this area can have a profound impact on families, workplaces and the wider community.
