Project Details :
This project was proudly funded to address a critical gap in men’s health. With no national screening programme currently in place for prostate cancer in the UK, raising awareness and encouraging early action within the community is more important than ever.
We aimed to break the silence, reduce stigma, and provide men especially those at higher risk with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their health. Drawing on our expertise in community public health, we actively reached out to hard-to-reach and underrepresented groups through trusted local networks, culturally sensitive materials, and conversations held in familiar, accessible spaces.
Early Detection Better Protection
No Screening Doesn’t Mean No Action
Know Your Risk, Know Your Body
What We Did :
Join the Conversation in Your Community
Breaking the stigma around men’s health and encouraging open conversations about prostate cancer. Men are more likely to engage with health messages when they come from familiar people and settings.
- Community Awareness Workshop
- Distribution of Culturally Relevant Materials
- Use of Trusted Space - churches, shopping areas
- Pop-Up Information Stalls
Final Results :
Prostate Cancer Awareness Programme Report
QALYCOM Health CIC – Pilot Program Report
Programme Name: Prostate Cancer Awareness Workshops
Date / Duration: 2024/2025
Location: Rochdale Borough (Central and Heywood)
Programme Overview
Objective:
To increase awareness of prostate cancer among African and BAME men, improve understanding of symptoms and risk factors, reduce stigma around men’s health, and encourage early screening and GP engagement.
Target Population:
African, Caribbean, and other BAME men aged 40–70 living in Rochdale.
Expected Outcomes:
- Improved knowledge of prostate cancer risks and symptoms
• Increased confidence engaging with GPs and screening services
• Reduced stigma around men’s health discussions
• Greater screening intention and help-seeking behaviour
• Improved wellbeing and EQ-5D
• QALY gains
Baseline Data
Metric | Baseline (Avg) | Participants | Notes |
Knowledge of prostate cancer | 38% | 68 | Pre-workshop quiz |
EQ-5D (Quality of Life) | 0.77 | 68 | Standardised measure |
Screening awareness | Low | 68 | Limited understanding of PSA tests |
Help-seeking confidence | Low | 68 | Fear and stigma reported |
Awareness of high-risk status | 22% | 68 | African/Caribbean men at increased risk |
Programme Activities
- Culturally tailored educational workshops
• Myth-busting sessions addressing stigma and fear
• Explanation of symptoms, PSA testing and early detection
• Group discussions promoting openness about men’s health
• Step-by-step guidance on how to request a GP prostate check
• Distribution of printed resources designed for African and BAME men
• Peer support and survivor testimonies (story-sharing)
Attendance: 85% attended 2+ workshops
Outcomes & Impact
Quantitative Results
Metric | Follow-up | Change |
Knowledge | 75% | ↑37% |
EQ-5D | 0.83 | ↑0.06 |
Screening intentions | 67% | ↑45% |
Help-seeking confidence | High | ↑40% |
Understanding of risk | 68% | ↑46% |
QALYs Gained: 7.8
Qualitative Feedback
- “Now I understand why African men are more at risk — I didn’t know this before.”
• “The session made it simple and removed the fear.”
Case Study — “Michael” (Prostate Programme)
“I always avoided talking about prostate tests, but this workshop made it clear and simple. I went for a check-up after the session. I feel more in control of my health now and not afraid to ask questions.”
Lessons Learned
Successes:
- Cultural tailoring and relatable facilitators increased engagement
• Peer-led discussions reduced stigma
• Participants valued honest, open conversations about men’s health
Challenges:
- Some men felt embarrassed to discuss screening initially
• Misinformation from social media required extra time to correct
Recommendations:
- Increase collaboration with GP practices for on-site PSA screening days
• Offer small-group or 1-to-1 options for men uncomfortable in larger groups
• Develop simplified materials for older participants and made use of interpreter where necessary
Alignment With Council Goals
- Addresses health inequalities among high-risk groups
• Supports early detection and prevention of cancer
• Reduces stigma and encourages health-seeking behaviour
• Strengthens community wellbeing and men’s health literacy
Sign-Off
Prepared by: QALYCOM HEALTH CIC
Date: November 2025
