Did you know that after many years, of having to refer to American studies, we now have UK evidence to confirm that men of African descent are nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer? An East London study prepared the way for the larger PROCESS study. (Prostate Cancer in Ethnic Subgroups). Some African men were also found to have an increased prostate cancer risk.

We at BME cancer.communities have always encouraged an evidence based approach, in order to gain an accurate picture of how cancer is affecting BME communities in the uK.

Until relatively recently there was a huge gap in actual evidence to support the drive to reduce BME cancer inequalities in the UK. However after campaigning for increased evidence, assisting with BME input for the UK's top up cancer plan (CRS - Cancer Reform Strategy) and visiting the Thames Cancer Registry, we were pleased to see the first major report on Ethnicity and Cancer published in 2006. The National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) published the report which again confirmed higher rates of prostate cancer in black men.

We welcome the NCIN report ( 'Cancer incidence by major ethnic group', England 2002-2006), but have concerns about the number of men whose ethnicity was not recorded (nearly 40%). We understand the issues around recording ethnicity amongst both BME communities and health professionals, but without accurate ethnicity records, important information to aid the reduction of BME cancer inequalities is missing. In simple terms it will take longer to identify BME groups that are more likely to experience prostate cancer inequalities and do something about it.

The report also looked at prostate cancer in both South Asian and East Asian men and concluded (as expected) that there were lower rates of prostate cancer in both groups in comparison to white and black men in the UK. However we are concerned about changes in lifestyle in BME communities that may lead to increased prostate cancer rates. According to our medical advisors and anecdotal reports we are receiving Indian men appear to have the highest rates of prostate cancer in comparison to other South Asian men in the UK. One of our advisors, Mr Anup Patel (Consultant Urological Surgeon) recently confirmed lower rates in South Asian men, but was concerned about surprisingly aggressive prostate cancer in some South Asian men. Chinese men as reported in the NCIN report have lower rates of prostate cancer. However all ethnic groups should be aware that lifestyle changes over generations of BME community members, may change the current BME picture of cancer in the UK in the future .(Within 2 generations for some specific cancers in the US).

Watch this space for further information about prostate cancer and BME communities.