As Movember begins, it’s not just about moustaches or fundraising. It’s about raising our voices, deepening our understanding, and looking out for each other. For Black men, prostate cancer isn’t just a men’s health topic — it’s a personal and community issue. At Cultured Health Partners, where culture meets health our mission is to bridge the gap between traditional health messages and the lived experiences of men from the global majority, especially Black African and Caribbean communities.
DJ AG and Will Smith began the conversation earlier this year and we are continuing it for Movember. Prostate Cancer is one of the few cancers, when caught early, the survival rates are very high, but it is reliant on early testing. Early testing saves lives, and it starts with knowing your risk. Use the risk checker today and encourage friends and family to do the same. Your health is worth the conversation.
Understanding the risks and why it matters
Prostate cancer affects Black men disproportionately. For example:
- About 1 in 4 Black men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime (source).
- That’s roughly twice the risk compared with White men (about 1 in 8) (source).
- And analysis from the National Prostate Cancer Audit shows that Black men in England are diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 prostate cancer at a rate of 440 per 100,000, compared with 295 per 100,000 for White men (source).
This isn’t just bad luck but it connects to structural inequalities, access to information, and how our health systems engage (or fail to engage) Black men for early detection. When we don’t talk about it, when we don’t push for screening that’s tailored to our risk, we risk letting these disparities deepen. There’s ongoing discussion in medicine about scaling back universal prostate screening because of concerns about overdiagnosis. But for Black men, the picture is different:
- Many of the arguments to reduce screening are based on “average-risk” populations — not high-risk groups like Black men.
- New screening guidelines in some places don’t yet reflect the urgent need for targeted screening for Black men or men with a family history.
- Fortunately, some researchers and organisations are calling for a targeted approach — screening just Black men (and others at higher risk) could be cost-effective and more equitable (source).
In short: reducing access or discouraging testing without tailoring for high-risk groups risks worsening the inequalities we already see.
Recognising Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms
One of the challenges with prostate cancer is that it often develops silently, especially in the early stages. Many men have no symptoms at all — which is why early testing is so important. But when symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- A weak flow or taking longer than usual to empty your bladder
- Feeling like your bladder isn’t fully empty
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection (less common, but possible)
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, conditions like an enlarged prostate or infections can cause similar issues but they do mean it’s time to speak with your GP. Early conversations lead to early checks, and early checks save lives.
How do you check your prostate?
If you are a Black man and over 45 years of age, Prostate Cancer UK strongly recommends you get a PSA (prostate specific antigent) blood test. For Black men under 45 years, you should ask for a PSA test if you are concerned. Checking your prostate isn’t something you can do yourself—it starts with a conversation with your GP. They may recommend a PSA blood test (to measure prostate-specific antigen levels) and, if needed, a digital rectal examination (DRE) also known as a ‘finger up the bum’ test. A DRE is quick, usually less than a minute, and not painful just a little uncomfortable. Your doctor gently inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size and texture of the prostate. Not everyone requires, a DRE but it can help your doctor find out if there is something wrong with your prostate and what to do next.
Worried it’s embarrassing? Doctors do this every day with care and respect. Think it affects masculinity? It’s simply a medical check—nothing more. And no, you can’t do it yourself; only a trained clinician can accurately assess your prostate. If you’re a Black man over 45 or have a family history, take action now. Learn more at https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/black-men-and-prostate-cancer.
Errol McKellar — From Mechanic to Community Health Champion
One of the most inspiring voices in this fight is Errol McKellar, a Black car mechanic from Hackney, London and a true example of grassroots community health activism.
Errol did something simple yet powerful: while waiting for his car to be fixed, he picked up a prostate cancer leaflet. He asked his GP for a PSA test even though he had no symptoms. That decision likely saved his life.
After his diagnosis and treatment, Errol transformed his garage into more than a workshop. He began offering health checks and PSA screening to his customers, giving a 20% discount on a car service if they agreed to test. His garage became a place where health and culture met literally and figuratively.
He also founded, The Errol McKellar Foundation, working hard to raise awareness, push for better testing access, and bring the conversation into underserved Black communities. His message is simple but powerful:
“If you look after your car, why not look after yourself?”
Errol McKellar
It’s a reminder that taking care of your health isn’t a burden, it’s an act of self-respect.
What can you do to raise awareness of prostate cancer in Black men?
- Talk to Your GP
If you’re a Black man — especially if you’re over 45 or have a family history of prostate cancer — ask about a PSA test. Be confident. Be proactive. Advocate for your health. - Share the Conversation
Break the silence in your community. Share Errol’s story. Use it to spark a conversation with your brothers, fathers, sons, friends. Health doesn’t have to be spoken in medical jargon — it can be deeply personal. - Support Targeted Screening
Get behind campaigns calling for equity in prostate cancer screening. Whether through raising awareness, donating time or money, or joining research – you’re helping push for a system that recognises our specific risk and responds accordingly.
If you need help or support, please contact consider reaching out to the following:
Errol McKellar Foundation
Website: theerrolmckellarfoundation.com
Phone: 07850 317 995
Offers awareness campaigns, free PSA testing events, and monthly Sit & Talk support groups for men particularly Black African and Caribbean menliving with or beyond prostate cancer. The foundation also advocates for early detection and runs initiatives like MOT Yourself, encouraging men to treat their health checks as routine as a car MOT.
Prostate Cancer UK
Website: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/black-men-and-prostate-cancer
Phone: 0800 074 8383
Provides information on risk factors, PSA testing, and support services specifically for Black men
culturedhealthpartners.co.uk 
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