Paul Campbell, Chief Executive of Cancer Black Care and a cancer survivor from Greenwich, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019. He shared his experience with MyLondon, highlighting the inequalities black, mixed, and minority ethnic communities face in cancer care.
Paul's journey began in his 40s when he saw a TV advert about a men's health check involving a PSA test. Two years later, he requested the test but was initially denied because he had no symptoms. After being assertive, he finally received the test and discovered he had prostate cancer.
"Had I not been pushy, had I not stood my ground, had I not been assertive, I may have found that out at stage four," Paul told MyLondon. He expressed disappointment at being challenged about accessing NHS care and changed his GP due to poor treatment.
Paul noted that information about cancer is not widely disseminated in minority communities. "When you look in magazines and leaflets, we're not represented. The language is always complicated," he said. He emphasized the need for better awareness of family history and risk factors.
His own father died from prostate cancer, and his brother and cousin were diagnosed after Paul's experience. "There is a ripple effect," he said. Paul aims to break the taboo around cancer conversations, as many communities cannot even say the word. "Men put their masculinity ahead of their health."
Cancer Black Care works with major charities like Macmillan and Prostate Cancer UK, and has been to Number 10 and the House of Commons. "We position ourselves to be a voice for the communities we represent," Paul said, calling for more resources and funding.
Paul participated in a Macmillan TV advert promoting Fair Cancer Care, which aims to make cancer care fairer for all. He also runs support groups where people can share their stories. "Having gone through that journey, I know how lonely and invisible it is."
The charity aims to expand across London boroughs, offering culturally appropriate services from diagnosis to end of life. "Change has to come from within," Paul concluded. "Cancer Black Care has been supporting communities for 30 years, and we want to continue for the unseen, unheard, and invisible."
