This conversation takes place at Macmillan Live 2026 as part of the Real Talk storytelling series, where Paul and Wayne, two brothers, share their powerful lived experiences of prostate cancer. Paul explains that both he and Wayne were diagnosed in 2019, a moment that profoundly changed their lives and led them into advocacy work. Paul is now Chief Executive of Cancer Black Care, a charity dedicated to supporting Black people and people of colour through cancer, with the aim of improving outcomes, experiences, and trust in healthcare systems.

The brothers use humour to tell their story, which they describe as cathartic and a way of connecting honestly with audiences. Wayne shares that, unlike Paul, he initially chose not to follow conventional medical advice. Influenced by online information and holistic approaches, he delayed treatment for three years due to fear, uncertainty, cultural beliefs, and a lack of trust in the healthcare system. He explains that it was difficult to believe in a process where he could not see himself reflected—culturally or socially—in the messaging or professionals delivering care. Eventually, Wayne underwent surgery and was fortunate that his cancer had not spread, recognising how easily the outcome could have been very different.

Their story is shaped by wider family trauma. In the same period, their sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and in 2021 their father died from prostate cancer. The brothers highlight how the absence of symptoms made diagnosis hard to accept and fuelled distrust, especially given historical and ongoing inequalities faced by Black communities within healthcare.

Paul explains that his own cancer was detected only because he challenged his GP and insisted on testing after seeing an NHS advert. This experience motivated his advocacy work. Both brothers stress the importance of regular check-ups, PSA testing, and early detection, particularly for Black men, who face higher prostate cancer risk. They end by urging men to seek medical advice even without symptoms and to believe that life, health, and joy are possible after cancer.