One in Four Black Men in the UK Denied Prostate Cancer Tests

 Alarming Disparities: One in Four Black Men in the UK Denied Prostate Cancer Tests Despite Higher Risk

A recent report has revealed that one in four Black men in the UK has been refused a prostate cancer test by their GP, despite having double the risk of developing the disease compared to the general male population.

A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test can detect early signs of prostate cancer by measuring the level of PSA protein in the blood. However, a survey by Prostate Cancer Research of 2,000 Black men in the UK found that nearly a quarter (24%) who sought the test in the past year were obstructed by their GP.

The survey also uncovered deep concerns over discrimination in healthcare: 25% of respondents believed racial bias was preventing them from receiving prostate cancer tests, and almost half (47%) doubted they would receive the same quality of care as white patients under the NHS.

The findings are particularly stark for Black men aged 45-54, with 22% reporting that they were denied a PSA test after asking for one, often being told by their GP that it was unnecessary.

A significant majority of Black people (84%) believe there should be more medical research that includes them, and 83% agreed that greater Black participation in such studies is necessary to drive improvement. Seventy-three percent said that positive change would come only through increased involvement in research.

The data highlights the disproportionate risk of prostate cancer among Black men in the UK: one in four will be diagnosed in their lifetime, compared to one in eight for men overall. Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in UK men, with over 55,000 new cases each year according to Cancer Research UK.

Despite the high incidence rate, survival prospects are encouraging if the disease is detected early, with 78% of men surviving 10 years or more after diagnosis.

Oliver Kemp, CEO of Prostate Cancer Research, called the report’s findings “shocking” and emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action: “It shouldn’t be the community alone who has to fix this. We’re calling on government, the NHS, and other partners to work with us to close this health gap.”

He urged GPs to recognize the higher risk faced by Black men when considering PSA tests and called on the government to introduce a screening program for high-risk groups. “Our data shows 82% of Black men would participate in such a program if it were available. The potential to save lives is staggering,” Kemp added.