Disparities in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment for Black Men in England Highlight Urgent Need for Policy Review
A recent analysis by the National Prostate Cancer Audit reveals alarming disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment among Black men in England. Findings indicate that Black men are diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer at a rate of 440 per 100,000, which is 1.5 times higher than the rate of 295 per 100,000 found in white men. Furthermore, those aged in their 60s face a 14% reduced likelihood of receiving life-saving treatments.
The study analyzed prostate cancer diagnoses from January 2021 to December 2023, using data from Rapid Cancer Registration and other national datasets. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among British men, with around 52,300 new cases reported annually. Black men are reported to be twice as likely to be diagnosed and 2.5 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than their white counterparts.
Prostate Cancer UK is advocating for a revision of government guidelines, which currently fail to differentiate the increased risks faced by Black men, placing the onus on individuals to seek out testing. Keith Morgan from Prostate Cancer UK emphasized that the current NHS guidelines for GPs are outdated, stating every man deserves optimal care.
Consultant urologist Prof. Frank Chinegwundoh echoed these concerns, calling for urgent action to improve understanding and response to the higher risks faced by Black men.
An NHS spokesperson highlighted ongoing awareness campaigns that have led to earlier diagnoses among Black men, yet acknowledged that current screening recommendations discourage PSA testing for asymptomatic individuals, raising further concerns about access and equity in cancer care.
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment as calls for systemic changes grow louder.
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