Stars support ‘Prostate Cancer’ campaign

EastEnders actor Rudolph Walker OBE and former England international footballer Les Ferdinand MBE, are two of the high profile names that are raising awareness of the increased risk of prostate cancer amongst Black men as part of the ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ pilot campaign in six London Boroughs - Newham, Hackney, Haringey, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

These boroughs have a high black population and have a higher than average incidence rate of prostate cancer compared to England as a whole

The campaign will for the first time turn its attention to prostate cancer in Black men. Statistics from the health charity, Prostate Cancer UK, reveal that one in four black men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives, double the risk faced by all men. Despite these figures, a recent survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK, showed that 90% of black men are unaware of their higher than average risk of developing the disease.

The campaign will also highlight that early prostate cancer often has no obvious symptoms.

Rudolph Walker said:

Too many Black guys are unaware of their increased risk and this needs to change if we are going to beat this disease. Men need to man up and take charge of their health. If you’re a Black man and over the age of 45, speak to your doctor about your risk. It could save your life.”

Les Ferdinand added:

I lost my granddad to prostate cancer and that’s why I’m supporting the Be Clear on Cancer campaign. Black men need to openly discuss prostate cancer as we’re more at risk than other ethnic groups. The good news is that if it’s caught early, treatment is effective."

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, accounting for 12% of cancer deaths and 4% of all deaths in men in England. However, it accounts for 22% of cancer deaths in Black men and 8% of all deaths in black men

Public Health England is working closely with the health charity, Prostate Cancer UK to deliver this campaign featuring outdoor poster advertising in railway stations and high streets locations; posters in hair salons and barbershops featuring a black cancer survivor and a health professional. Street ambassadors are engaging directly with the target audience in key community outlets and at Black History Month events.

For further information about prostate cancer please visit www.nhs.uk/prostate.

Staff Reporter