A campaign is being launched in Huddersfield during Black History Month to encourage black men to get checked for prostate cancer.

One in four black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. They are twice as likely to get prostate cancer than other men who have a one in eight chance of getting the disease.

Each year around 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and sadly about 12,000 men will die from the cancer.

You may also be more likely to get prostate cancer as a black man if:

  • You are aged 45 or over – and your risk increases as you get older
  • Your father or brother has had it
  • Your mother or sister has had breast cancer

These stark facts propelled Huddersfield man Phil James into action and led to the campaign, Don’t Be The One.

Phil, the founder of Kam’s Corner CIC, which is committed to tackling inequalities, also volunteers for a cancer awareness project Cancer SMART, part of the Yorkshire Cancer Community.

Phil took his idea to YCC communications officer Jill Long and fellow volunteer Stephen Halstead, who has had a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Stephen came up with the logo and designed flyers and invites for the campaign which urges black men to understand their risk of prostate cancer. Unlike some cancers, prostate cancer has no screening programme.

The flyer carries a QR code which takes the reader to Prostate Cancer UK’s website which has an in depth focus on black men and prostate cancer.

It explains the risks and suggests talking to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer. You can also ask them about having a PSA test, which is a blood test which can help to diagnose prostate cancer.

 

 

National UK guidelines state that any man over the age of 50 is entitled to have a PSA blood test, provided they understand the benefits and disadvantages of the results or their implications.

Because of the higher risk, it has been suggested that black men should discuss the possibility of having a PSA blood test with their GP earlier, around the age of 45.

Phil, who has received a clear PSA test, said: “Working with our black communities, Kam’s Corner CIC and Yorkshire Cancer Community, we are encouraging all black men aged 45 years and over, to take a leaflet and ask their GP practice for a PSA blood test.

“A PSA blood test involves taking a blood sample from the arm and can help identify if you need to be sent to hospital for further tests for prostate cancer.”

The campaign is being launched during Black History Month on Thursday October 10 at the Chestnut Community Centre, 2a Chestnut Street, Sheepridge, HD1 1HJ, at 10.30am with Mayor of Kirklees Clr Nosheen Dad in attendance.

Local GP Dr Ilyas Ahmad from the Grange Medical Practice will talk about the importance of raising cancer awareness.

Charities Macmillan, Prostate Cancer UK and Tackle Prostate Cancer will also be represented.