We ran a barbershop event in Luton last year, in conjunction with Luton Borough Council, Macmillan, local GPs, and Luton and Dunstable Prostate Support Group (me!). This was specifically aimed at the local Black African and Caribbean community, and I think it worked well.
What was shocking was how many of the attendees said they had been turned down by their GPs for PSA blood tests because they had no symptoms, in some cases even with a strong family history. The two local GPs present were horrified, and explained that prostate cancer normally has no symptoms until well after it's incurable, and took an action to go away and educate their colleagues.
It was a useful event, and I hope we can do it again periodically.
This was part of a wider initiative to address Luton having poorer cancer outcomes (all cancers) than the surrounding areas due to late presentation with later stage at diagnosis, and a high proportion of diagnosis resulting from attending A&E.
Earlier last year we also did an event targeting the local Sikh community for prostate and gynecological cancers. While their incidence of prostate cancer is lower, they also don't tend to be aware or ask for tests/screening, so they too can also be diagnosed late.
Edited by member 27 Apr 2024 at 09:53
| Reason: Not specified