Highlights prostate cancer disparities among Black men

By Kojo

Community leaders and health advocates are coming together to raise awareness about prostate cancer among Black and racialized men through the upcoming “Walk the Path” fundraiser organized by The Walnut Foundation.

The June 6, 2026, walkathon will support the Foundation’s work in prostate cancer awareness, screening, peer support and research while drawing attention to the growing health disparities affecting Black men in Canada.

Serving as honorary chair is Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College and a prostate cancer survivor whose personal experience has strengthened his commitment to health advocacy and community development.

Fearon is widely recognized in Canadian education, having previously served as president of Brock University and Brandon University. He also held senior leadership positions at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University.

An economist and former public servant, Fearon has worked with Ontario’s Treasury Board, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. His contributions to education and community development earned him the Order of Ontario and several national honours.

Fearon has also remained deeply involved in community work, including co-founding the Canada Caribbean Institute and serving as former president of Tropicana Community Services.

Joining him in the campaign is Anthony Henry, President of The Walnut Foundation and managing partner with Manulife Wealth Inc. Henry’s advocacy is personal. As one of four family members diagnosed with prostate cancer, he has become a strong voice for awareness, open discussion and peer support within the Black community.

Henry is also a certified Prostate Cancer Peer Navigator with the True North Program at Princess Margaret Hospital and has helped lead the Foundation’s annual Walk the Path fundraiser.

Founded in Toronto, The Walnut Foundation focuses on prostate cancer awareness and support for Black and racialized men through free PSA screening clinics, peer support groups and community outreach programs.

The Foundation says Black men in Canada are 76 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die from the disease, largely because it is detected too late.

To date, more than 1,000 men have been screened through the Foundation’s free clinics, with one in five requiring follow-up care they may not otherwise have received.

Organizers are encouraging men over 40, or over 35 with a family history or who are Black, to speak with their doctor about a PSA test or attend one of the Foundation’s free screening clinics.

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  Brampton