Community initiative sparks prostate cancer awareness among black men

In Cardiff, Wales, a new initiative is underway to address the high risk of prostate cancer among black men, with research led by Dr Sarah Fry. Statistics show that one in four black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, significantly higher than one in eight white men. Community worker Steve Khaireh highlights a concerning trend: many black men are unaware of their risk, often disregarding advice from health professionals. To combat this, Fry's research focuses on leveraging social connections through platforms like WhatsApp, fostering a supportive environment where men share health information with friends rather than relying solely on traditional medical advice. This method aims to reach at-risk groups effectively, as prior studies indicated that men were more responsive when receiving information from peers. Fry has secured funding from Cancer Research UK for this pilot project, which will be initiated within local communities, emphasizing communication in familiar dialects to ensure clarity. The pilot is intended to test this approach's effectiveness, with hopes of scaling the program if successful. Ultimately, the initiative aims to create a culture of awareness and proactive health management among black men, encouraging regular testing as a critical prevention strategy.