Remembering the lifesaving legacy of Alex Wheatle MBE

As an award-winning writer, Alex Wheatle MBE was a hugely influential figure in the world of arts and culture. He penned the much-loved Crongton series and his life was the inspiration for a self-titled episode of the BBC TV series Small Axe directed by Sir Steve McQueen. 

But he also made a big impact in drawing attention to prostate cancer following his own diagnosis, encouraging men to check their risk of the disease and challenging some of the common barriers that prevent men from talking to their GP about getting a simple blood test to check for signs. 

And he also helped to highlight the increased risk of prostate cancer among Black men, campaigning with us to call for a change to NHS guidelines that would enable GPs to proactively talk to men at highest risk much sooner. 

How Alex helped raise lifesaving awareness of prostate cancer among Black men

By sharing his personal story of prostate cancer in the media, Alex amplified an important message for all men – to check your risk of prostate cancer and find out what to do next.  

In interviews with Sky News, Good Morning Britain, LondonLive and The Voice newspaper, Alex drew focus towards the heightened risk of the disease among Black men and highlighted the importance of knowing you have a right to ask for a free PSA blood test.

And just a few months ago – in January this year – Alex gave his support to our campaign to change NHS guidelines following the release of shocking data that revealed the huge inequities in Black men’s experience of diagnosis and treatment. 

Alex banged the drum for our campaign, which urged the Government to update these guidelines and make it easier for GPs to talk to Black men about their higher risk of prostate cancer from the younger age of 45. 

The power and impact of Alex’s personal story

Alex’s dedication in talking about his experience of prostate cancer in the media has enabled him to reach millions of people with his story, raising vital awareness of the disease and encouraging more men to check their risk using our 30 second online Risk Checker. 

It’s thanks to the efforts of people like Alex that more than 4 million men have now checked their risk.  

And that’s not all. Alex’s campaigning helped us gather nearly 10,000 signatures for our open letter calling for changes to the NHS guidelines. Several politicians have since thrown their support behind the campaign and the Health Secretary himself has acknowledged the need for targeted screening based on men’s level of risk. 

Alex has also been a personal inspiration to many other men, including actor Colin McFarlane, who was moved by his determination to make a difference. 

“Alex was only 62 and should have had many, many years left to enjoy with family and friends,” said Colin. 

“But sadly, tragic deaths like these are all too common. We’re losing far too many beloved dads, brothers, sons and friends to the most common cancer in men – simply because too many are diagnosed too late. And the situation is at its worst when it comes to Black men. 

“On several occasions when I met Alex, we talked about the desperate need for a national screening programme - and for GPs to be empowered to reach out and speak to Black men about their higher risk and their right to a PSA blood test.  

“Prostate cancer is curable if it is diagnosed earlier, and one day I hope we can stop losing brilliant men like Alex to this disease.”

Continuing Alex’s legacy and campaigning to save men’s lives

Alex’s story highlights the importance of early diagnosis. Because the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. 

That’s why we’re continuing to champion Alex’s lifesaving message and urging every man to check his risk of prostate cancer. 

CHECK YOUR RISK