Prostate Cancer UK hosts first-ever black community golf day at The Addington

The Addington Golf Club hosted Prostate Cancer UK’s first-ever society day as they aimed to raise awareness of prostate cancer in the black community.

Prostate Cancer UK’s Black Health Equity team organised the event with Ray Nyabola of Black British Golfers and Mark Henry of the African Caribbean Golf Association.

Former England, Manchester United and Newcastle striker Andy Cole enjoyed the day along with radio and television personality DJ Spoony, and they were among a sell-out field of 80 golfers taking part at the renowned Surrey venue.

Black men face double the risk of prostate cancer, with 1 in 4 likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 for other men. Despite the disease being curable if caught early, outdated NHS guidelines and health inequities mean too many black men are diagnosed too late and miss out on potentially life-saving treatments.

Nyabola, the founder of Black British Golfers, said: “This event proves the power of golf beyond the fairways. The game has always been about community and we showed how it can also be a catalyst for life-saving conversations. We’re proud to stand alongside Prostate Cancer UK to drive awareness where it’s most needed.”

Henry added: “The turnout at The Addington says a lot about how important the messaging is in the black community and demonstrates the appetite for combining sport with purpose. For us, it’s about ensuring Black men understand their risk and feel empowered to act. Golf brings people together, and today was about uniting passion for the game with action on health.”

Prostate Cancer UK is encouraging golf clubs, associations and players to support future events and direct men to the charity’s risk checker tool at prostatecanceruk.org/risk to save lives.

“Golf is the perfect bridge to reach men at risk and it can open up conversations in a familiar environment and helps us deliver critical messages that can save lives,” said Kevin Howell, Black Health Equity and Engagement Officer at Prostate Cancer UK.

“We know prostate cancer is curable if it’s caught early, but too many black men are at risk of dying because they’re being diagnosed too late. Not only that, Black men in their 60s who get a later diagnosis are 14% less likely than white men of the same age to receive potentially life-saving treatments on the NHS. This was our first Black community golf day, and it won’t be the last,” he added.

For more information on the wider Prostate Cancer UK golf programme and or help and advice in organising your own golf day, visit www.prostatecanceruk.org/golf.