Over the past few months, headlines and policy debates have zeroed in on the challenges and opportunities facing Black men.
From health disparities to economic inclusion, these conversations are shaping legislation, community programmes and cultural narratives.
Here is what’s trending and what we can do about it.
It’s crushing news for Black men like me. I was fortunate that my prostate cancer was caught early enough to be cured.
For far too long, Black men’s lives have been left to chance, and here in the Midlands, far too many men know nothing about prostate cancer until they’re diagnosed, often when it’s already too late for treatment to save them.
I work hard to raise awareness with Prostate Cancer UK, but meaningful change in the UK has been desperately needed for years. It’s long overdue for the Government to act, so we can finally have confidence that lives will be saved and that we will no longer be left behind.
Still, I remain hopeful for a better future. Prostate Cancer UK has now launched the TRANSFORM trial, aiming to bring screening to all men across the UK, with initial results expected in just a couple of years. We…
International Men’s Day (19 November) is a global call to look honestly at the lives of men and boys, their health, their relationships, their contribution and their pain.
International Men’s Day was relaunched in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh, who chose 19 November to honour his father and to celebrate a moment when sport united the country across race and class.
There is a quiet crisis unfolding in the health of Black men. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black men in America have the lowest life expectancy of any demographic group, nearly five years shorter than white men.
Every great story has a turning point. For Black men in the UK, that turning point might be a simple blood test. Yet too many never reach it. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and while it often grows silently, it kills loudly, claiming Black men’s lives at twice the rate of their white peers.
Neuroscience shows that we humans underestimate hidden risks. When there are no symptoms, the brain’s “optimism bias” whispers that everything is fine. But biology does not wait for awareness.
Early testing is the only way to catch this disease before it spreads and every year of delay means more fathers, sons and brothers lost.
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.
Too many of our brothers are leaving it too late. Prostate cancer doesn’t always shout, it whispers and by the time it gets loud, the fight is much harder.
Getting tested early isn’t just about you. It’s about time! More time to laugh with your children, share wisdom with your nephews, hold your partner’s hand or watch your grandchildren grow.
These three men caught it early. Due to the fact that they acted, they gained not just years, but moments, memories that might never have happened otherwise. Their stories are a reminder,. Men you cannot put this off.
Brothas, your health is your power. Do not wait until something feels wrong. Get checked. Get peace of mind.
"The cultural expectation to “be strong” or “man up” leads to delayed help-seeking and underreporting of symptoms, especially around depression, anxiety, or chronic pain."
During Men’s Health Week (9–15 June) this is a powerful reminder to pause, check in and take your well-being seriously, not just your physical health, but your emotional, mental and spiritual health too.
Let’s be real, Black men are least likely to seek help but most at risk.
In the UK, Black men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to suffer a stroke. High blood pressure runs disproportionately high in BAME communities, often without early warning signs. And while the numbers are alarming, the silence is worse.
Dr Eva McGrowder, Senior Trial Manager, The Institute of Cancer Research, shares insights on the increased risk of prostate cancer for Black men below.
Black men have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer due to several factors, many of which are interconnected and complex. Firstly, Black men are often diagnosed with prostate cancer at more advanced stages, which limits treatment options and decreases survival rates. This delay can be due to a variety of reasons, including lack of awareness, lower rates of screening, and limited access to healthcare resources.
Many Black men may not also fully understand their risk for prostate cancer or may be misinformed about the importance of early screening. This can lead to delays in seeking medical attention or in receiving regular screenings, both of which are crucial for early detection and better outcomes.
Lastly,…
Proud Sista!
Proud Sista!
Proud Sista!
Proud Sista!
