16 April 2026
A Wolverhampton prostate cancer survivor who lost all three of his brothers to the disease will be a special guest at a conference raising awareness of the condition.
Simeon Greene, 60, believes a reluctance to talk about cancer meant his brothers never shared their diagnoses until he revealed his own.
He has since researched his family history and believes as many as 54 relatives may have had prostate cancer.
Originally from Jamaica, Simeon was diagnosed at 49. Following treatment at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, he now campaigns to raise awareness in the Black community and encourages men to be more open about their health.
He will attend a conference at Molineux Stadium on Tuesday, 21 April, where Prostate Cancer UK will launch Saving Black Men’s Lives in Prostate Cancer: A Manifesto for Collaborative Change.
Simeon said: “Black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer, with one in four affected. Risk is even higher if you have a family history.
“I was shocked to discover my brothers also had prostate cancer when I told them about my diagnosis. There is a clear reluctance to talk about it, and that has to change.”
He urges men over 40 with a family history of the disease to speak to their doctor about a PSA blood test, even if they have no symptoms.
Simeon added: “Some myths put men off seeking help, but the PSA test is a simple blood test. While there is no national screening programme, men can still be proactive and ask their GP about it.”
He also highlighted that Black men are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage, when the disease is harder to treat.
Now a patient advocate for West Midlands Cancer Alliance, Simeon is featured in a video campaign with Prostate Cancer UK encouraging Black men to get tested.
He said: “Partners can play a vital role by encouraging men to seek help and not ignore changes in their health.”
Sarah Hughes, Managing Director of West Midlands Cancer Alliance, said: “Simeon’s story highlights the importance of understanding family history. Early diagnosis and awareness are key to successful treatment.”
Keith Morgan, Associate Director of Black Health Equity at Prostate Cancer UK, added: “Too many Black men are being diagnosed with incurable prostate cancer. We must act now to prevent more families from being affected.”