Black men denied prostate tests face discrimination

When 76‑year‑old Guy Griffiths from Coventry was diagnosed in 2024 with the most aggressive form of prostate cancer, he was both shocked and angered. He believes the disease could have been detected earlier had his GP recommended routine PSA blood testing, rather than leaving it to patients to request.
His concerns were heightened by the government’s review published in November, which concluded that a national prostate cancer screening programme is not justified for men in the UK. The recommendation applies even to black men, who face double the risk of developing the disease. Griffiths argues that the decision is discriminatory, given the well‑documented higher incidence and mortality rates among black men.
In a statement, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “I sat down with leading clinicians, researchers and cancer charities to have a frank conversation about prostate cancer screening. I’m grateful for the valuable perspectives shared, which will inform my thinking as I await the independent UK National Screening Committee’s final recommendation. We’re expanding access to life‑extending treatments, cutting waiting times, and ensuring that Black men, who face twice the risk of dying from prostate cancer, are at the heart of our research efforts.”

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