Prostate cancer is a severe health risk for men, but it disproportionately affects black men. According to Prostate Cancer Research, one in four black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, compared to one in eight white men and one in 13 men of other ethnicities. Despite this alarming statistic, many black men remain unaware of their increased risk, and many don’t seek out medical advice on their own.
How Can Community-Based Research Help Raise Awareness?
A new study is exploring how WhatsApp group chats could be a powerful tool in raising awareness and encouraging black men at risk to get tested for prostate cancer. The study assesses whether sharing health information in this informal, community-based setting can significantly impact health outcomes.
According to a Cardiff community worker involved in the research, many black men do not listen to health professionals when it comes to serious health issues. “They don’t listen to health professionals,” he says, explaining why new methods are needed to reach this group effectively.
Why is Peer-to-Peer Communication Important for Health Awareness?
The study’s lead researcher uses this project to test the effectiveness of delivering health information through WhatsApp. The approach is rooted in previous research showing that men are more likely to respond positively to health advice from friends or peers rather than formal health professionals.
“Having information between friends was more effective than a GP sharing it. They were more likely to say, ‘Ooh, perhaps this is something I need to think about,'” she explains. This peer-led approach builds on the idea that friends can nudge each other into action in a way that medical professionals may not.
Her previous experience working in cancer care showed her that there were very few black men in her clinics. This realization led her to explore how information sharing within communities could help bridge that gap and increase awareness of prostate cancer risks among black men.
How Can Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Save Lives?
Julian Delaney, a 73-year-old man from Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan, has firsthand experience with the impact of early prostate cancer detection. In 2016, after attending a Rotary Club talk urging men to get tested, Julian decided to take action, even though he had no symptoms.
“I thought cancer wouldn’t happen to me,'” he admits. But after a routine test, Julian was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the news “terrified” him. “When people tell you you’ve got prostate cancer, it terrifies you,” he says. Despite the initial shock, Julian researched his options, asked a lot of questions, and ultimately decided to have his prostate removed. He has been cancer-free ever since.
Julian’s experience also motivated him to urge his three brothers to get tested. He even insisted that one of them return to the doctor after being told he didn’t need a test. “It’s a lack of knowledge in many cases,” Julian reflects. “They say to ask questions, but if you don’t know the questions to ask, you’re stuck.”
What is the Potential Impact of WhatsApp-Based Health Messaging?
The study is small but could have a far-reaching impact if successful. Cancer Research UK is funding the pilot project, which men will lead from the community. The goal is to reach those most at risk and encourage them to seek testing before it’s too late.
The researcher is optimistic that if the pilot is successful, it could be scaled up and even run alongside a national screening program. “If we can show that this works, then it has the potential to be a huge part of public health initiatives in the future,” she says.
Why is Using Street Language and Community Approaches Crucial?
A community worker helping organize the WhatsApp groups sees street language and informal communication as crucial to reaching the target audience. He believes that using language people understand makes the message more impactful.
“Most health professionals speak proper Queen’s English, but what you find in our community is there are a variety of slang languages that people speakāstreet languageāthat’s important in getting the message across in a language they understand,” he says. By communicating the message in a way that feels familiar and accessible, the hope is that more men will take the message seriously and take the necessary steps to get tested.
What is the Simple Message That Could Save Lives?
The basic message communicated through the WhatsApp groups is simple but crucial: “If you’re over 50, get tested. Simple.” The community worker believes this straightforward approach will resonate with the community and encourage men to take action.
The research aims to address a severe gap in health education within the black community and provide a scalable solution to encourage prostate cancer testing. If successful, WhatsApp could become a vital tool in saving lives and raising awareness about prostate cancer risks among black men.
