1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. However, if you are black or have black heritage, your risk increases to a shocking 1 in 4. We want to raise awareness of this so that black men can help themselves to catch the disease early, before symptoms develop, when it is easier to treat.
What Are The Risks?
As a black man, you have a one in four chance of developing prostate cancer in your lifetime. You are also at greater risk if:-
- You’re 45 or over – your risk gets higher as you get older
- Your dad or brother has had prostate cancer
- Your mum or sister has had breast cancer
Is There A National Screening Programme?
Despite the high risk of developing the disease, there is currently no national screening programme for Prostate Cancer, although there may be one in the future. So for now, we want you to be proactive and speak to your GP if you fall into the at risk category.
I Don’t Have Any Symptoms Though
Prostate Cancer doesn’t have any symptoms in the early stages, when it is most treatable. Therefore, we urge people who have a high risk of developing the disease to speak to their GP about being checked, even if they have no symptoms.
I Don’t Want The Finger Up The Bum Test
We know that some people will be put off being tested for Prostate Cancer as they are worried or embarrassed about having a digital rectal exam. However, nowadays it’s a simple PSA blood test that is used to help to diagnose prostate cancer. You may need further tests such as an MRI scan but you don’t have to have a finger up the bum anymore, and if this is suggested, you can always decline.
Aims of the Don’t Be The One Campaign
Raise awareness in the black community that the risk of prostate cancer is 1 in 4
Encourage any black person with a prostate who is 45 or over to visit their GP and ask for a PSA blood test, especially if they have a family history of the disease
Offer a peer support group to the black community for those affected by prostate cancer, including family members
Roll out the campaign to other areas of Yorkshire and beyond
I’ve had a prostate cancer diagnosis, but don’t feel there’s support available for my community
We know that a prostate cancer diagnosis is a scary prospect, but we are keen to ensure there is help and support especially geared to the black community, who may feel this service is lacking in their area.
We are creating a peer led support group in the Huddersfield area. The first meeting will be held at 2pm on Wednesday 19 February at St John’s Resource Centre, St John’s Road, Huddersfield HD1 5BW and will be led by Phil James, one of the campaign founders. Eventually, we hope to create support groups in other areas of Yorkshire too.
Meet the Campaign Founders
Phil James
Phil James is one of our Cancer Champions and founder of Kam’s Corner CIC. He had the initial idea for the Don’t Be The One campaign, after seeing the impact the disease was having on his local community. He has made it his mission to spead awareness of the risks, and to encourage all black men who are 45 or over, or have a family history of the disease to visit their GP for a PSA test. Phil himself has had the PSA test done, thankfully the results came back negative. He is also setting up a support group in Huddersfield to support those who are affected by the disease.
Stephen Halstead
Cancer Champion Stephen Halstead has also been instrumental to the success of the campaign, including designing the leaflets and flyers. and even taking to the stage at the Wakefield showing of FUFC, a play about prostate cancer written by Mark Jackson to promote our campaign launch in October 2024 (to coincide with Black History Month). Stephen has a prostate cancer diagnosis himself, and is keen to empower other men to be proactive about their health, and to get checked out ideally before symptoms develop.
