Launch of prostate cancer video for the black community

North East London Cancer Alliance has been working with black men to raise awareness of the increased risk of black men getting prostate cancer, which is 1 in 4 compared to 1 in 8 white men.

The result has been the launch of a new video featuring British Athlete, Joe Appiah, along with one of our local GPs and members of the black community filmed in every day settings such as a park or a barber’s shop.

We have been promoting this video during March 2024 for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, as part of our Cancer, It’s Not A Game campaign which uses sport as a theme to reach out to older men in deprived areas. You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/bp-KG7OWdX0

In the video, Joe talks to black men about understanding the risk of prostate cancer and how it is important to get checked early.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, accounting for 26% of male cancers in 2017. The risk is higher for black men and those with a family history, so speak to your GP about getting a PSA test which can help detect prostate cancer early.

Remember, 1 in 8 men, and 1 in 4 black men, will have prostate cancer so it is important to do something about it. If you are over 50 (or over 45 if you are a black male or have a family history of prostate cancer) speak to your GP.

Survival rates for prostate cancer are good – when it’s diagnosed early. If caught at its earliest stage, all men are expected to survive, compared with around 49% of men when diagnosed at the latest stage.

Often, symptoms do not show in the early stage. This is why it is so important to speak to your GP if you are at a higher risk so something can be done about it.

You should also speak to a doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of prostate cancer, which may include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
• Erectile dysfunction
• Unexplained weight loss

If you notice any of these, see your doctor right away. Finding it early makes treatment easier and helps you get better faster.

For more information

Find out how to get a PSA test if you live in north east London: https://nelca.mypsatests.org.uk/

Read more about prostate cancer on the Prostate Cancer UK website.