University of Sunderland researchers advocate for proactive prostate cancer screening.
- Sir Chris Hoy highlights the need for screenings among high-risk men, emphasizing family history.
- Research shows Black men face higher risks of prostate cancer, prompting calls for national screening.
- Workshops for Black men in the UK proved effective in raising awareness and encouraging doctor visits.
- Prostate cancer screening is seen as essential to saving lives and reducing health inequalities.
The University of Sunderland is supporting the call of Sir Chris Hoy for increased prostate cancer screening. Hoy, a cycling champion currently battling terminal cancer, urges men with a family history of the disease to get tested early. This call to action comes amidst broader efforts to raise awareness and encourage screenings, especially among high-risk groups.
Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer affecting men in the UK. However, Black men face an even higher risk. They are statistically more likely to be diagnosed and succumb to this disease than their white counterparts. Researchers at the University of Sunderland have been actively involved in addressing this disparity by working with Black communities in the North East and Scotland.
The PROCAN-B study aims to facilitate early diagnosis of prostate cancer in Black men, recognizing the critical racial disparities present. This initiative secured significant funding as part of a broader effort to combat health inequalities. Dr. Floor Christie-de Jong from the University of Sunderland emphasizes the vital importance of early diagnosis in saving lives, supporting a push toward national screening practices.
Workshops have played a pivotal role in this initiative. Conducted by and for Black men, these sessions include group discussions and guidance from Black healthcare professionals. They also engage participants through testimonials from religious leaders and survivors, a strategy that has significantly enhanced awareness and willingness to undergo testing. The feedback from these workshops shows a marked improvement in participants’ understanding and confidence in seeking medical advice.
Dr. de Jong highlights that the project’s community-focused approach is essential to changing health outcomes. Engaging directly with the communities has empowered individuals and ensured access to critical health information. The collaboration involves multiple institutions, including Teesside University and Glasgow University, and highlights the importance of a coordinated effort in tackling public health challenges.
National prostate cancer screening efforts are essential to addressing and reducing health inequalities among high-risk groups.
