'Blueprint' for saving Black men’s lives in the West Midlands launches at Molineux tomorrow

Prostate Cancer UK is launching a new plan to save Black men's lives at Molineux tomorrow (Tuesday).

The charity is unveiling a detailed plan of action alongside ITV Central’s Des Coleman, Wolves hero Bob Hazell, and Sureena Brackenridge MP.

The new 12-month manifesto of actions will ensure more Black men with prostate cancer are diagnosed at a curable stage and have access to the best treatment and care.

The manifesto was co-created with the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, Black men, community leaders, and people across the region.

It has the second-highest proportion of Black men in the country and relatively high levels of deprivation.

In the West Midlands, more than 1 in 4 men with prostate cancer are diagnosed when their disease has spread and can’t be cured – a higher proportion than elsewhere in the UK.

One in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer, and they have double the risk compared with other men.

The most recent evidence from the National Prostate Cancer Audit shows that Black men are also more likely to get an incurable diagnosis, while many are also less likely to receive the best treatments.

Prostate Cancer UK is investing millions into its Black Health Equity strategy, which is dedicated to securing an early, curable diagnosis and dismantling the barriers that currently prevent Black men from accessing healthcare in a fair and effective way.

The charity’s comprehensive new West Midlands includes giving healthcare professionals inter-cultural training and creating tailored information materials for Black men (co-designed with community members) and distributing them in trusted local places like barbershops, faith organisations, community centres, and GP practices, and pharmacies.

Working closely with community and voluntary groups so that long-term, sustainable progress comes from within Black communities and encouraging every healthcare professional to use the West Midlands Cancer Alliance Prostate toolkit, which contains clear information about Black men’s increased risk, the societal barriers they face, and how to provide them with the best care.

Keith Morgan, associate director of Black Health Equity at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Too many Black men in the West Midlands are getting the devastating news that they have incurable prostate cancer.

“We must act now before more dads, brothers, and partners are left behind.

“Prostate Cancer UK is already investing millions into making the health system work better for Black men, and we’re proud to have now formed a coalition of organisations and community leaders across the West Midlands to start making urgently needed progress for men in the region.

“The manifesto we’ve developed together is a comprehensive blueprint for saving lives, for building trust in Black communities, and for empowering Black men to navigate prostate cancer with confidence, in their own way. Now we’re calling on the brilliant healthcare community across the West Midlands to join us in our mission.”

Former Wolves player Bob Hazell said: “It’s scary to know that, as a Black man living in the West Midlands, I have a higher chance of getting a late prostate cancer diagnosis. I’m passionate about giving back to the community, so now I want to make more Black men aware of their prostate cancer risk and encourage them to ask their GP for a PSA blood test.”

Sarah Hughes, managing director of West Midlands Cancer Alliance said: “As Black men are at increased risk of prostate cancer it is important we collectively support raising awareness with all our partners within the NHS and voluntary sector.

“I would really like to thank our patients who have come forward and shared their powerful testimonies and helped develop the primary care prostate toolkit.”