I had to threaten legal action to get a biopsy
A MAN was diagnosed with prostate cancer only after fighting for his test results to be taken seriously.
An examination showed his prostate was abnormal, but Alphonso Archer’s doctor refused to take action.
And knowing black men are more susceptible to prostate cancer, Mr Archer was horrified when his doctor told him to wait more than six months for a new test.
Mr Archer, 5 , threatened to involve a lawyer if he was not referred to a urologist, and a biopsy confirmed his misgivings – he did have prostate cancer. He said: ‘My dad got prostate cancer when he was in his late 60s, so I have always been aware of it.
‘I did my own research and about four years ago I started getting regular tests because I realised that black men – especially from Jamaica – are more at risk.’
Mr Archer, a music teacher and songwriter who lives in Calne, Wiltshire, added: ‘There is a massive disparity in black people getting referrals. This is not just a problem with my surgery. All GPs need to step up and start recognising black people are more at risk.’