Charity Launches Prostate Cancer Support Group in Sheffield

By Stephen O Aderinto

Sheffield Prostate Cancer Support Group, also known as 1 in 4 SPSG, is a Sheffield-based charity that provides support and information to prevent the recurrence of black men increasingly getting diagnosed with prostate cancer, thus prioritising the inclusion of black men in UK prostate cancer research. The acronym “1 in 4” refers to the fact that one in four black men in the UK will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

Launch of the 1 in 4 SPSG at SADACCA

The group was founded in June 2022 by Sheffield based SACMHA Health & Social Care Community Health Advisors, Valerie Grossett and Sheila Daley, who began partnering with the University of Sheffield to explore the management of side effects caused by treatments for prostate cancer. Since then, the group has grown to become a valuable resource for black men in Sheffield and beyond. Other key people who are part of the initiative are Dr. Qizhi Huang (GP), Dr. Kate Fryer (Research Associate), Professor Janet Brown (University of Sheffield) Weston Park Hospital and Dr. Caroline Mitchell (GP), all involved in developing the Prostate Cancer awareness project. The activities of the group prioritise black men of African and Caribbean heritage due to their susceptibility to prostate cancer, but are also open to all men of all age categories.

Organisers of the 1 in 4 Sheffield Prostate Cancer Support Group,

1 in 4 SPSG launched their inaugural live event on Friday 28th April 2023. The gathering brought together black men, their families, and friends to gain insight into the organisation’s vision and mission. During the event, the organisers’ panel delivered informative talks about the high incidence of prostate cancer among black men in the UK. They supported their claims with statistical data from various studies conducted in the country. Moreover, attendees had the opportunity to listen to the inspiring stories of several cancer survivors who shared their personal experiences of overcoming the disease, sending a message of hope to the audience. A recurring theme is the need for black men to undergo early testing for signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, which is a major factor in the fight against the disease. The meeting was followed by a short social interaction before the eventual departure of both the hosts and guests.

Various attendees at the 1 in 4 SPSG launch event at SADACCA

African Voices Platform (AVP) was present and captured the event for archiving purposes. 1 in 4 SPSG is currently open for membership, and it is strongly encouraging black men, residing in Sheffield to take part in the movement. The organisation plans to organise regular meetings and events where black men can share their experiences and receive advice and support from others who have been through similar experiences.