How friend’s TV interview helped theatre director Femi catch prostate cancer early

As a Black man in his 60s with a family history of prostate problems, Femi Elufowoju Jr knew his risk of cancer was higher than most men.  

But for many years the award-winning theatre director and actor had avoided the issue and never taken steps to discuss prostate cancer with his GP. 

It took something completely unexpected to spur him into action. Something that came along by total chance. 

“I’d been back to Nigeria to see my Dad, who was told about 20 years ago that he had an enlarged prostate and that surgery wasn’t an option - he was 89,” said Femi.

“When I got back to London, I slumped on my sofa and turned on the TV. For some reason I watched BBC Breakfast – and there was my old pal Colin on the box, saying ‘get a test’. That’s when it all came home to me.”

How a chance diagnosis changed Femi's life forever

Femi met fellow actor Colin McFarlane back in 1992 when they appeared in several plays together. And though they’d stayed in touch for more than 30 years, their careers had followed different paths. 

By total chance, it was on that day that Colin was speaking about his own prostate cancer diagnosis in a BBC interview and encouraging men at high risk to talk to their GP about getting a simple PSA blood test. 

“I actually thought he was talking to me – that’s how I felt,” said Femi, who arranged an appointment with his GP soon after. 

“Colin said your GP might be reluctant to give you a test and that’s exactly what happened. It was only when I said my family has a history of prostate problems that I got sent for a test.” 

Femi’s PSA results suggested further tests might be required. And after an MRI scan and a biopsy in December 2023, he received a lifechanging diagnosis of prostate cancer. 

“I’d had a great day out with the family and then I had a call with the oncologist,” said Femi.  

“Basically, I had to make a decision. I didn’t have long. And the longer I took, the shorter my odds were going to be.” 

Femi’s chance diagnosis is a story that’s all too common. Too many men find out they have prostate cancer completely out of the blue – and often, when it’s too late.  

But vital research can help us find prostate cancer earlier. And give men like Femi more time to spend with their family and friends, doing the things they love.

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Finding it early is even more important for Black men - and here's why

For Black men, whose risk of getting the disease is even higher, it’s even more important to find it early. In fact, shocking new data shows that Black men have higher rates of stage three and stage four prostate cancer than any other ethnic group. And Black men in their 60s who get a later diagnosis are also less likely to receive potentially lifesaving treatments that are proven to be their best chance of a cure. 

Despite these inequalities, current NHS guidelines mean it’s up to each man to check his risk and decide whether to ask for a PSA blood test.  

This is putting Black men’s lives at risk. And it’s why we’re telling the government to update the guidelines straight away, so GPs are allowed to start conversations with Black men about prostate cancer from the younger age of 45 and give them the option of a quick and easy PSA blood test to check for signs. 

Lifesaving research can give men more time. Will you help?

After receiving his diagnosis and discussing the options with his family, Femi decided a form of focal therapy was the best path for him. 

And as he continues his treatment, Femi has thrown himself back into his work as a theatre director. He also attends Arsenal Football Club’s ‘Stride On’ social support group and walking football programme for men living with prostate cancer. 

“It was an absolute shock for my partner and children,” said Femi. “They’ve never dealt with anyone who has prostate cancer but they’ve been incredibly supportive. 

“I needed a distraction – and the play I recently directed at the Arcola Theatre gave me that. The mental impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis is huge, so having the work was great. I really threw myself into it."

Far too many men, just like Femi, find out they have prostate cancer by total chance. And often, when it’s too late for a cure. 

That’s why finding it early is so important. In fact, getting more men diagnosed early could prevent up to 40 per cent of prostate cancer deaths and save thousands of lives every year. 

With more funding for vital research – like our groundbreaking screening trial, TRANSFORM – we can boost the odds of finding prostate cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. 

Please donate today and help fund research that will improve diagnosis and save men’s lives. 

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