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Black Men Urged to Act on Prostate Cancer Risk
29 Nov
Summary
- Black men face double the risk of prostate cancer and are urged to get screened.
- Actor Colin McFarlane highlighted historical mistrust of the NHS in Black communities.
- National Screening Committee cautioned against mass prostate cancer screenings.
Actor Colin McFarlane made an impassioned plea on BBC Breakfast for Black men to prioritize prostate cancer screenings, citing their significantly higher risk and a history of mistrust in healthcare systems. He highlighted that one in four Black men are diagnosed in their lifetime.
McFarlane's call comes as the National Screening Committee has advised against mass prostate cancer screenings, a stance opposed by prominent figures and organizations like Prostate Cancer UK. He explained that historical injustices have fostered suspicion, leading some to believe they won't return from hospital.
Despite these deeply rooted concerns, McFarlane stressed the critical importance of early detection, warning that waiting for symptoms can lead to the spread of the disease. He urged GPs to test men who bravely come forward, even without apparent symptoms or pain, to combat the "double the risk" faced by Black men.
