Prostate cancer twice as likely among black men than white men, study finds

Researchers found that, following diagnosis, black men are also much more likely to die from prostate cancer

The study found that ethnic backgrounds may be linked to diagnosis rates of prostate cancer (Getty Images)

Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer as white men, a study has found.

The research, undertaken by Prostate Cancer UK and Public Health England, has been published in the medical journal BMC Medicine.

Researchers found that the life time risk of being diagnosed with and dying from prostate cancer varied greatly depending on the men’s ethnic group.

The risk of being diagnosed is one in four for black men, one in eight for white men and one in 13 for Asian men.

The risk of dying from the cancer also appeared to be significantly linked to ethnic background.

The researchers found that among black men the risk of dying is estimated to be one in 12, while for white men it decreases to one in 24. Asian men were amongst the least at risk, with an estimated risk of one in 44.

The study did not provide a reason for the apparent connection, although it has been thought that the link could be genetic.

Lead author Alison Cooper said: "We already knew that black men were more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men, however, the data we had was fast becoming out of date.

"The study also provides important absolute risk figures to help black men better understand their risk of developing prostate cancer.

"These figures can be used for targeted awareness-raising and to help them make an informed decision about whether or not to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test."

With additional reporting by Press Association