Black men are twice more likely to get prostate cancer than other men in the UK. With prostate cancer often not having any symptoms, it is important that we know our risk factors and get checked at the recommended times.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

There are three main risk factors for prostate cancer

• being black
• age: the older you get, the more the risk. It mainly affects men over 50 but black men can be affected younger
• a family history of prostate cancer

What you should do if you meet any of the risk factors

As a black man it is important to start having conversations with your doctor from age 45. The only way to know if you have prostate cancer or not is through testing. Most men don’t get early symptoms so don’t wait for symptoms before you start taking prostate cancer serious.

What happens if you have prostate cancer

If you find out you have prostate cancer, the doctors will look at your personal circumstances and discuss your treatment options.

Personal stories

If you need any further convincing to think about taking action on prostate cancer, there are personal stories from Black men on their experience of prostate cancer.

Errol McKellar

Johnny Nelson

For more information on prostate cancer and Black men, visit the Prostate Cancer UK website or the NHS website.