TINA DAVIES • May 28, 2025

Africa Day 2025 - Raising Prostate Cancer Awareness Among Black African Men

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We celebrated Africa Day, we honor the rich cultures, values and traditions that define our heritage. But alongside celebration, we must also confront the challenges that threaten the wellbeing of our communities—particularly the health of our Black African men.

We know that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. But for Black men, the risk rises sharply—1 in 4 will develop the disease. The risk factors are clear: being male, being Black and having a family history of prostate or breast cancer.

Black Caribbean men have lived in the UK longer than many Black African communities, going back to the Windrush generation and now raising their third-generation Black British Caribbean families. As a result, there is generally more awareness among Caribbean men about the importance of health, research and family medical history—despite the historical mistrust of systems. Their longer engagement with the NHS has led to greater participation in health education and research.

In contrast, many of our Black African men are newer to this system. Awareness around prostate cancer remains low. There is little knowledge of family history, few conversations about screening and deep-rooted cultural barriers that prevent early detection.

In our African communities, we pride ourselves on tradition and resilience. But we must challenge the stigma, shame and silence that surround diseases like cancer. We must break these taboos—not because we reject our culture but because we want to protect and preserve our people.

Prostate cancer is treatable when detected early. But Black men will not be invited for routine screening—you have to ask for a PSA test. I encourage every man, especially Black African men, to speak with their GP. Ask questions. Know your history. Take action.

When we prioritise our health, we empower our families, strengthen our communities and secure a future where our men can thrive—not just as leaders and entrepreneurs—but as healthy, active fathers, brothers and sons.

Let us make prostate cancer awareness part of our African pride.

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Cancer UK-Salone at the European Association of Urology Congress (EAU25) in Madrid, Spain

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Prostate Cancer Capacity Building of 20 Health Workers from 20 PHUs in Western Area District Health Management Team

By TINA DAVIES • September 6, 2024
Prostate Cancer Awareness Capacity Building for Healthcare Workers – 17th July 2024  On the 17th of July 2024, Cancer UK-Salone, in collaboration with the Western Area Urban Health Medical Team, organized a one-day workshop aimed at raising awareness of prostate cancer among healthcare workers. This crucial capacity-building initiative, attended by 20 healthcare workers from 20 primary health units, forms part of the broader Prostate Cancer SL Program launched by Cancer UK-Salone in November 2023. The program emphasizes early detection, education, and improved treatment outcomes for prostate cancer, which remains a significant health concern in Sierra Leone. Opening the Workshop The workshop kicked off with a warm and insightful address by the District Medical Officer, who stressed the importance of early detection and the vital role healthcare workers play in spreading awareness about prostate cancer. With healthcare workers at the frontline of patient care, their ability to recognize early signs and provide support is critical in combating the disease. The workshop was led by Professor Babatunde Duduyemi, a distinguished oncology pathologist, with support from Dr. Challe, a clinical oncologist with years of experience treating cancer patients in the region. Their combined expertise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of prostate cancer, covering key topics such as: Signs and Symptoms: Identifying early warning signs, including urinary issues, discomfort, and other related symptoms that could point to prostate cancer. Compassionate Communication: The importance of delivering difficult diagnoses with empathy and guiding patients through their treatment journey with care and understanding. Genetics: Understanding the genetic predispositions to prostate cancer and how family history plays a role in assessing risk. Interactive and Practical Learning In addition to theoretical knowledge, participants engaged in practical assessment sessions. These hands-on exercises allowed healthcare workers to apply what they had learned in real-life scenarios, enhancing their confidence and competence in identifying and managing prostate cancer cases. The interactive nature of the training encouraged dialogue, shared experiences, and collaborative learning, ensuring that all participants could actively contribute and ask questions. Closing and Certificate Presentation The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognizing the dedication of the healthcare workers who participated. Leonoil, the sponsor of the event, graciously presented the certificates, symbolizing their commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives and cancer awareness programs in Sierra Leone. This one-day workshop is a crucial step in strengthening the healthcare system’s response to prostate cancer and ensuring that healthcare workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide early diagnosis and compassionate care to those affected. With the ongoing efforts of Cancer UK-Salone and its partners, Sierra Leone is moving closer to a future where prostate cancer is no longer a silent killer.
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