Prostate Cancer & Black Men: Why Early Testing is a Life-Saving Strategy

Each June, Men’s Health Month offers a timely reminder to check in on the well-being of the men in our lives. But for Black men in particular, there’s one conversation that cannot be delayed: prostate cancer. Just this week first week of June 2025, two men in the public eye have announced their cancer status - ESPN anchor, Jay Harris and celebrity stylist Dwight Eubanks.   

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, but it doesn’t affect all communities equally. Black men are 70% more likely to be diagnosed and twice as likely to die from prostate cancer. They’re also more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, when treatment options are fewer and survival rates decline. This isn’t a matter of biology. It’s a reflection of systemic gaps in access, awareness, and early intervention.

As a mantra, clarity is care. And when it comes to prostate cancer, clarity starts with education, early testing, and culturally competent patient engagement that encourages and supports men take action before it’s too late.

The Disparity Is Real, Yet Preventable

According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. They are also 75% more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage prostate cancer than white men. Multiple factors contribute to this gap; ranging from medical mistrust and underinsurance to a lack of targeted awareness campaigns and community-specific health navigation.

But early-stage prostate cancer is highly treatable. In fact, the five-year survival rate approaches 100% when caught early. That’s the power of early detection and the power of effective patient engagement. I’m  personally passionate about prostate cancer awareness because Black men are leaders, fathers, brothers, son and husbands of my community that deserve to grow old.

Rethinking the Engagement Model for Black Men

So why aren’t more men getting tested earlier? One answer lies in how and where we communicate.

Too often, health messages targeting Black communities are delivered through sterile, impersonal campaigns that fail to resonate. Urban radio. A Black fraternity of choice. A black mega church. A celebrity. This wash and repeat approach fails to deepen rapport and relationship with audiences, often feeling like charity than real support and education. In addition, for many black men, especially those navigating complex jobs, family roles, and systemic stressors, annual checkups may feel like a luxury they can’t afford or a process that hasn’t earned their trust. There’s rampant disinformation on the PSA test - they are thinking about the infamous old method, the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).

This is where intentional strategy can shift outcomes. Patient engagement isn’t about broadcasting information. It’s about creating a safe pathway for action. That means meeting men where they are and leveraging voices they respect.

Reframing the Message: Testing is Power

Prostate cancer screening is often a simple blood test known as the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and can start as early as age 40 for high-risk individuals. But we need more than clinical data points to move people to act. We need relatable messaging, delivered through strategic content that reflects cultural nuance and encourages ownership of personal health.

For example:

• Advocacy partnership with local/regional gym for “Every Leg Day” workout plus free private screening 

• Non-profit “Out of the Group Chat” campaign awarding a luxury vacation for four men over 40 - entries captured by downloads and shares of prostate health screening information from custom URL

• Digital campaigns and sponsored content co-created with podcast influencers and clinicians

• Financial wellness content sharing lived financial experiences of prostate survivors to early-detection as part of family, legacy and estate planning

These reach beyond token black influencer marketing tactics - they’re health equity interventions.

Let’s Improve Outcomes Together

At Inpower Media Group, our approach to digital strategy centers on patient activation. From our Digital Rx Strategy Lab to our Video Visibility Studio, we help healthcare brands create content and campaigns that inform, inspire, and mobilize action. 

This Men’s Health Month, we are called to go beyond awareness. Let’s start conversations that lead to testing and ultimately, to survival. Because when we give Black men the information, agency, culturally competent engagement and respect they deserve, we don’t just change narratives—we change outcomes.