One in three Black adults avoid healthcare after negative experiences, finds new report

• Surveying of over 1,000 Black British adults combined with community workshops and expert interviews revealed trust in healthcare institutions to be fragile, with many having negative lived experiences of care
• 82% said that the legacies of slavery, colonialism and the Windrush scandal damaged their trust in the UK health system.
• Addressing the trust gap and tackling entrenched health inequalities will require a coordinated, community-focused approach, says Prostate Cancer Research

[London, UK] A new report from Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) reveals that up to one in three Black adults in the UK have avoided seeking healthcare following a negative experience. The report’s expert contributors, including specialists from across Black community engagement and health inequalities, warn that without urgent action, lifesaving opportunities for early diagnosis will continue to be missed.

The Empowering Communities Report, developed by PCR in partnership with AstraZeneca, combined national polling of over 1,000 Black British adults with community workshops and expert interviews with the aim to understand how trust in healthcare and clinical research is seen amongst Black communities. Findings highlight deep-rooted inequalities, and past negative experiences continue to undermine confidence in health services and research.

Black men are disproportionately impacted by prostate cancer, with 1 in 4 men expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. This compares with 1 in 8 White men and 1 in 13 Asian men.[1] Black men are more likely to be diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage when treatment options are limited. The report highlights that mistrust, inconsistent care and poor communication can delay early engagement with health services, including screening, referrals and follow up appointments.

The report also challenges the idea that Black communities are “hard to reach” or disengaged. 82% of respondents felt that legacies of slavery, colonialism and the Windrush scandal damaged their trust in the UK health system, but despite this demonstrated a strong willingness to engage with healthcare and research when they felt respected, listened to and included as partners rather than recipients.

Community workshops revealed that clear, culturally relevant communication is one of the strongest drivers of trust. Participants consistently said that health information is more likely to be trusted when delivered through local, familiar and community‑based channels, such as faith groups, community organisations and barbershops, rather than generic national messaging.

Rupert Aikman, Health Equity Manager at Prostate Cancer Research, said:

“The publication of our Empowering Communities Report demonstrates that trust is one of the biggest barriers standing between Black men and early diagnosis. When people feel dismissed, unheard or let down by the system, they delay care – and with prostate cancer, delay can be fatal.

This report makes it clear that awareness alone is not enough. We need culturally responsive services, meaningful partnerships with communities, and a targeted national screening approach for Black men who are at the highest risk. Early diagnosis saves lives, and rebuilding trust must be central to how we deliver it.”

Anna Arent, Head of Oncology, AstraZeneca UK, said:

“This report highlights a reality we cannot ignore: too many Black adults are being held back from seeking care because of past negative experiences, and that means missed chances for early, potentially lifesaving diagnosis. AstraZeneca’s collaboration with Prostate Cancer Research is about listening to communities and taking action to rebuild trust. Black men face a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer, and we have a responsibility to help ensure they feel confident and supported when accessing care. By working together, we can help create a more equitable health system for everyone.”

ENDS

[1] Prostate Cancer Research. Racial Disparities in Prostate Cancer. 2025. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/addressing-racial-disparities/

About Prostate Cancer Research  

Prostate Cancer Research is a patient-centric research and information provision charity dedicated to improving and saving the lives of people with prostate cancer. They fund innovative research projects at world-leading institutions, with a specific focus on tackling health inequities, improving treatments, and developing novel drug targets.

For more information, please visit: https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/ 

• Media contact: Maddy Mersh [email protected]
• A copy of the full Empowering Communities report is available here: https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PCR_Empowering-Communities_Phase1_Report_March-2026.pdf
• Patient case studies and expert spokespeople available on request

AstraZeneca has provided sponsorship towards the evidence gathering, reporting and pilot testing phases of this independent programme and has had no involvement in its creation or organisation.