Prostate Cancer Patient Calls for Increased Screening Among Black Men

An individual currently battling prostate cancer is advocating for other black men to undergo screening for the condition. Suzgo Nyirenda, an 82-year-old resident of Aylesford, Kent, received his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2017. He stated that black men frequently do not realize that their ethnicity represents a risk factor, in addition to age and family medical history. “Please get examined, especially if you are black,” he urged. “Get the x-rays, get the CT scan, whatever. Get your body looked at.” Mr. Nyirenda credited the treatment he received at Maidstone Hospital with saving his life. “This cancer affects virtually everything in your system,” he commented. “Get the medical opinion on your body – it’s your body, you need to look after it.” Studies indicate that black men face a 25% likelihood of receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis. Asian men exhibit a considerably reduced risk, with one in 13 men developing prostate cancer, whereas white men have a one in eight risk. The reason for this disparity in risk across various ethnic groups remains unclear, though specialists suggest a potential connection to genetics. Dr. Kathryn Lees, a consultant clinical oncologist at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, stated: “Black men are not at greater risk of dying from their prostate cancer if they’re diagnosed at the same stage [as other men].” She added, “But they often present later and therefore potentially have a greater risk of having more problems.” Keith Morgan, representing Prostate Cancer UK, remarked: “If you are black and have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer, particularly if their cancer was diagnosed before the age of 60, then you are at even higher risk.” He further noted, “Black men are also more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and sometimes with more aggressive disease.” Morgan concluded, “You have to be the CEO of your own health, so that means you have to take ownership of [your risk] of developing this disease given you know now your chance of getting it is one in four.” For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Further details on our approach to external linking are available.