Our stories, our health, our future - Black conversations

Prostate cancer and masculinity: What changes and what stays the same?

• A prostate cancer diagnosis can affect far more than the body. It can change:
  • confidence
  • relationships
  • intimacy and
  • the way a man sees himself.
• In this video, therapist Daniel Harris explores how prostate cancer can shape ideas around: 
  • masculinity
  • identity
  • strength and
  • vulnerability.
• He discusses some of the pressures men can experience and why honest conversations and support can make a real difference.

Looking after your mental health and emotional wellbeing during prostate cancer

• Living with prostate cancer can affect mental and emotional wellbeing in many different ways. From fear and uncertainty to changes in confidence and daily life.
• In this video, therapist Daniel Harris shares practical ways men can support their mental wellbeing throughout their prostate cancer journey. He explores: 
  • coping strategies
  • the value of relationships and community, and 
  • how small, consistent actions can help men navigate difficult periods.

Father and son: A journey through prostate cancer

• A prostate cancer diagnosis affects more than the individual. It can have a lasting impact on the people closest to them.
• In the next two videos, Daniel Harris sits down with his father to talk openly about their family's experience of prostate cancer. .
• Together, they reflect on the diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and the emotional impact it had on them both.

Prostate Cancer and Black Men: Karl's Experience

• In this video we hear from Karl Brooks as he shares his personal prostate cancer journey. 
• In this interview, Karl speaks openly about his diagnosis, treatment, and the impact cancer has had on his life. 
• He also reflects on the importance of early detection, self-advocacy, and support from family and friends.
• He highlights the increased risk of prostate cancer among Black men. 

Keep Moving: Karl's Message on Exercise and Recovery

• In this video, Karl shares how staying physically active has supported him through his prostate cancer journey. 
• Drawing on a lifetime of sport and exercise, he discusses: 
  • the benefits of movement during and after treatment
  • the importance of specialist support, and 
  • why staying active can play a vital role in recovery, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Support for Black men with cancer 

Can-Survive UK 

• Provides culturally sensitive support and information for people with cancer, their families and carers. They are based in Manchester. They offer a range of different services tailored to the needs of diverse communities, including:
  • Support groups, e.g. MOT (Men Only Thursdays)
  • One-to-one services, e.g. counselling and life-coaching, advice and information
  • Group activities such as, meditation, art and talking therapy
  • Structures workshops such as, healthy diet and cooking, coping with anxiety and stress.
  • Home visiting service.
• You can find out more by visiting the Can-Survive UK website (link opens in a new external tab).

The Rose Thompson Foundation (Formally B’Me Against Cancer)

• The Rose Thompson Foundation aim to preserve and protect the health of all people.  In particular but not exclusively they focus on:
  • People from Black and minority ethnic (BME)
  • Low-income communities living with or affected by cancer. 

They provide:

• Culturally sensitive and appropriate practical advice, information, advocacy and support services
• Services directed to improving participation in BME cancer research.
• Visit the Rose Thompson Foundation website for more information. This link will open in a new external tab.
• They are based in Nottingham.
• Phone: 0115 845 6432
• Email: service@bmecancer.com

The Errol McKellar Foundation

• The Errol McKellar Foundation (link will open in a new tab) is a charitable project founded by 60 year old football coach, former garage owner and prostate cancer survivor, Errol McKellar.
• The Errol McKellar Foundation focuses on giving presentations and talks around the UK to raise the awareness of important men’s health issues, especially prostate cancer.
• Visit the event page (link will open in a new tab) to find out about upcoming events and 'sit and talk' groups. 

FAB - Friends and Bredrins

• FAB are an independent, Nottingham based prostate cancer and self-help charity.
• FAB welcomes Black and White members.
• They aim to raise prostate cancer awareness and support predominantly (but not exclusively) African heritage men and their families affected by prostate cancer. .
• FAB support group meetings are are held every 2nd Wednesday of each month.
• Members are very welcome to attend in person or attend virtually by video conferencing (Zoom). Sign up to attend by contacting FAB’s Secretary.
• The meeting venue: GMB offices, 542 Woodborough Road, Nottingham, NG3 5FJ. 

• If you would like to join their cancer group, please contact them:

  By phone +44 (0)77 112 02298 / +44 (0)78 175 22100 or via their contact page:

  Visit the FAB website for more information.

Black Health Initiative

• BHI is a community, engagement organisation working towards equality of access to health and social care within Leeds and the surrounding areas for disadvantaged communities. .
• Visit the BHI website for more information. (this link will open in a new external tab).
• Phone: 0113 307 0300
• Email: admin@bhileeds.org.uk

1 in 4 Sheffield Prostate Cancer Support Group

• The Sheffield Prostate Cancer Support Group was established in 2022, with the knowldedge that, 1 in 4 men of Black, African or Caribbean heritage will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. .
• The support group extends to anyone with experience of prostate cancer. It is primarily for Black men and their families. .
• The aim is to support men from diagnosis to ensure they are well infomed when making treatment decisions, whilst providing a human connection to help people deal with any concerns. .
• The 1 in 4 support group plan to meet on the 1st Tuesday in each month at the SACMHA, Breinburg Court, 263 Pitsmoor Road, Sheffield S3 9AQ. .
• For more details you can visit the 1 in 4 Sheffield Prostate Cancer Support Group website.

Cancer don't let it win CIC

• Cancer don't let it win (link will open in a new tab) is a non-profit support group raising the awareness of prostate cancer within Black communities. .
• They run monthly support groups that are open to all individuals and families affected by prostate cancer.
• Meetings take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 4pm at the Glass Mill Leisure Centre, 41 Loampit Vale, SE13 7FT. Other locations are sometimes used. Check their support group page for more information. .
• Contact: 07538798819 or email: info@cancerdontletitwincic.com 

Brother to Brother, Man to Man

• The Brother to Brother, Man to Man group was set up by Guy's Cancer and the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA) (Both links open in new tabs) to address and improve support for Black men with prostate cancer.
• The meetings take place monthly.
• For more information and to sign up email: B2BM2M@gstt.nhs.uk 

Orchid – Fighting Male Cancer

• Orchid is a charity for those affected by male cancer. They have a section on their website for Black African and Black Caribbean men (link will open in a new external tab). .
• Confidential male cancer helpline: 0808 802 0010