Improving cancer outcomes for our Black communities
Today, 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer, and 1 in 12 will die from the disease.
Black women are twice as likely to get diagnosed with breast cancer when it is at a later stage and harder to treat.
This needs to change.
The South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA) is committed to tackling these inequalities and improving the health outcomes of the many lives affected by cancer.
1 in 2 people today will get cancer, it’s that common. However, more people than ever are surviving following treatment – going on to enjoy their lives.
Early detection and treatment of cancer is vital in helping people to live longer and healthier lives.
Working with our Black communities, we have launched a campaign to encourage all Black women, aged 50 to 71 to attend their breast cancer screening appointment when invited.
We are also encouraging all Black men aged 45 and over, to talk to their GP practice about having a PSA Blood test. A PSA blood test involves taking a blood sample from the arm and it can help identify if you need to be sent to hospital for further tests for prostate cancer.
What is the PSA blood test and who’s invited for breast cancer screening?
PSA blood test to identify prostate cancer
Black men have a 1 in 4 chance of getting prostate cancer, and it’s 1 in 8 for white men.
Whilst there is a lot of work being done globally to understand these differences we are committed to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on our Black communities. That’s why, we are asking all Black men aged 45 and over, to talk to their GP practice and discuss having a PSA blood test.
The video below explains why the PSA blood test is so important and what you can expect from the process.
In the video, Joe Appiah, a prostate cancer survivor, shares his personal story of how a PSA blood test saved his life. Despite being active and in his 50s, Joe had no symptoms of prostate cancer. It wasn’t until a conversation with a friend that he decided to speak to his GP about getting tested.
The video also features Jonathan Noel, a renowned Consultant Urological Surgeon and expert in prostate diagnostics at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Jonathan discusses the increased prevalence of prostate cancer among Black men aged 45 and older and explains why the PSA blood test is a crucial first step for early detection.
Both Joe and Jonathan are urging Black men over 45 to talk to their GP practice about getting a PSA test, even if they don’t have symptoms. They also encourage viewers to share this video with the Black men in their lives to help raise awareness.
GP practices across South East London are aware of the campaign, and ready to discuss having a PSA blood test with Black men 45 plus. However, if your practice isn’t aware of the campaign, please draw their attention to this website.
You can also find out more about the PSA blood test here.
Based on your results, your GP will advise you on next steps, including when next you need to book another PSA blood test.
Breast cancer screening
All women between the ages of 50 to 71 will receive a letter every three years inviting them for their NHS breast cancer screening. It is a routine screening that millions of women attend to help identify signs of breast cancer, alongside routinely self-examining their breasts.
You can find out more about what to expect at a breast cancer screening appointment here.
If you are not sure, if you are up to date on your breast cancer screening appointments, think you might have missed your appointment or would like to rebook it for a more convenient time – please visit the London breast screening hub or call the hub on 020 3758 2024.
How can you support the campaign and highlight the importance of breast cancer screening & PSA blood tests?
We are working with our Black communities to get information far and wide across South East London on the importance of breast cancer screenings, encouraging Black women between the ages of 50 – 71 to attend their appointments, and Black men aged 45 and over to talk their GP practice about having a PSA blood test to help diagnose prostate cancer early.
From late October to the end of November 2024, this campaign will be live across Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich.
The full schedule of activities can be found below:
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Activity |
Date |
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Working with Black majority places of worship - churches and mosques - to reach their congregants.
Together, we are hosting discussion events that will include healthcare professionals and individuals with lived experience of prostate and breast cancer sharing their experience, discussing the campaign messages, addressing concerns and questions raised by congregants about both cancers.
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End of October to November 2024 |
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Social media adverts featuring members of our Black communities, including those with lived experience of prostate and breast cancer. |
December 2024 |
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We have launched a care card - a handy, wallet sized reminder of health checks, tests and screening that people can expect to be invited to during their lifetime. |
Local businesses, shops and charities can request a digital copy of the card, that you can print locally, by completing the contact us form below. |
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Local media relations - discussing the campaign messages and call to actions, as well as successes so far. |
December 2024 |
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Several barbershops and salons across South East London will also be displaying the campaign posters. |
November 2024 |
We have also developed breast cancer and prostate cancer animations to help support conversations on both types of cancer, and address some of the common misconceptions and concerns about these cancers. All the voices you hear in the animations are all real people discussing their own experience.