Prostate cancer has become the most prevalent cancer among men in the UK, with around 52,300 new cases and 12,000 deaths reported each year.

The statistics reveal a stark disparity, as black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at twice the rate of white men and face a 2.5 times higher mortality risk.

A recent study, analyzing prostate cancer diagnoses by ethnicity in England from early 2021 to late 2023, utilized data from the Rapid Cancer Registration Dataset and the National Cancer Registration Dataset.

The findings from the National Prostate Cancer Audit indicate that black men in England are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer compared to their white counterparts, with diagnosis rates of 440 per 100,000 versus 295 per 100,000.

Additionally, black men in their 60s who are diagnosed at a later stage are 14% less likely to receive approved life-saving treatments from the NHS than white men.

Keith Morgan from Prostate Cancer UK has criticized the NHS guidelines as outdated, arguing that they do not adequately address the heightened risk faced by black men and calling for proactive discussions about PSA testing.

Consultant urologist Prof Frank Chinegwundoh echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for improved understanding and action regarding the higher mortality rates of black men due to prostate cancer.

In response to the findings, an NHS spokesperson acknowledged improvements in early diagnosis among black men attributed to awareness campaigns, but reiterated that routine PSA testing is not recommended without symptoms, following the UK National Screening Committee's guidelines.

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for further comments on these significant findings.