Simeon Greene, a 60-year-old from Wolverhampton, has endured unimaginable loss—three of his brothers succumbed to prostate cancer, a disease he also survived. Delving deeper into his family history, Simeon discovered that an astonishing 54 of his uncles and cousins across generations had died from the same illness.
Originally from Jamaica, Simeon was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 49. He believes that a cultural reluctance within the black community to discuss health issues, especially cancer, has contributed to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. None of his brothers shared their diagnoses with one another until Simeon courageously came forward.
Now, he is campaigning to break the silence around prostate cancer among black men, emphasizing awareness and early testing. Simeon will be attending a pivotal conference at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium on April 21, where Prostate Cancer UK will launch “Saving Black Men’s Lives in Prostate Cancer: A Manifesto for Collaborative Change.”
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“The statistics are stark: black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer, with one in four affected during their lifetime,” Simeon explains. “If you have a family history like mine, your risk is even higher. When I told my brothers I was diagnosed, I was shocked to learn they were also battling the disease. It’s clear there is a reluctance to talk about this, but it’s time to overcome it.”
Simeon encourages men over 40, especially those with a family history, to speak openly with their doctors about getting a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test—even if they have no symptoms. He wants to dispel common myths that deter men from seeking help, such as fears about impotence, sterility, or uncomfortable examinations.
“The PSA test is just a simple blood test, no different from any other. Unfortunately, there is no nationwide screening program, but men can still be proactive and request the test during GP visits,” he says.
Black men are not only more likely to develop prostate cancer but are also more often diagnosed at a later, harder-to-treat stage. Simeon is now a patient advocate for the West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA) and features in a video campaign by Prostate Cancer UK, aimed at encouraging black men to get tested.
“Partners and family members play a crucial role,” Simeon notes. “They can notice changes, like frequent urination, and urge their loved ones to see a doctor before symptoms escalate. It’s essential to recognize that no one is immune, even if they feel fine.”
Sarah Hughes, Managing Director of WMCA, highlights the importance of early detection: “Simeon’s experience shows how hereditary factors influence cancer risk. Awareness and prompt diagnosis are key to effective treatment, making the work of patient advocates invaluable.”
Keith Morgan, Associate Director of Black Health Equity at Prostate Cancer UK, adds: “Far too many Black men in the West Midlands receive incurable prostate cancer diagnoses. We must act now to prevent further loss and ensure better outcomes for our community.”