It gave me back my voice: How a charity group in London is transforming cancer support for Black communities

In 2023, Maxine was diagnosed with colon cancer after months of being told her exhaustion was menopause. She then received chemotherapy which left her bedbound.

"Chemotherapy completely floored me," said Maxine. "It felt like my life was on hold." When she later discovered the cancer had spread to her liver, she felt defeated.

So when Maxine joined a workplace talk by From Me To You she didn't expect it to change her life.

"I logged on thinking it was just another presentation, but it completely inspired me" said Maxine. "From Me To You helped me realise I had choices and that I didn't have to go through cancer treatment feeling powerless."

From Me To You was founded to address the experiences people from ethnically diverse communities face. Like feeling unheard, unseen and under-informed within cancer care. They offer different support like:

• peer groups
• one-to-one guidance
• educational workshops
• cancer empowerment training
• cultural competency training.

They aim to help the community navigate treatment options, understand their rights, and build confidence to advocate for themselves.

For Maxine, that support has had a positive impact on her life. After sharing her story in one of the group sessions, founder Judith reached out.

"She asked if I had gotten a second opinion. I didn't even know that I could ask for one," said Maxine. "Judith made me realise I had a voice. My treatment should work for me, not the other way around."

With Judith's help, Maxine connected with a new consultant who introduced her to treatment options she'd never been offered. This included non-chemotherapy drugs and clinical trials.

Maxine said: "For the first time, I learned there were options beyond chemo that no had ever mentioned."

Sean and Sylvester, both men of Caribbean heritage, know the power of this kind of support.

In 2018, Sean was diagnosed with prostate cancer and, shortly after, multiple sclerosis (MS).

"It was a lot to take in," said Sean. "The stress of cancer probably brought the MS to the surface." Sean was introduced to From Me To You through Macmillan. He was unsure of it at first.

"I remember thinking, do I even need to be here? Everyone else had gone through so much. But honestly, it's been a lifeline. Talking with others who've been through cancer makes such a difference to me."

Now in remission, Sean has led men's discussion groups within From Me To You. "It's all about raising awareness and making sure people know it's okay to talk and get checked," said Sean. "We've got to break that silence, especially among men.

Sylvester, diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, agrees with Sean. "When they told me I had prostate cancer, I was scared. You don't know what to expect, and everything moves so fast.

"From Me To You gave me options: more than I knew I was entitled to. They helped me with appointments, paperwork and just having someone to talk to. When you're full of dread and scared, you need someone to talk to."

Both men found a sense of belonging and purpose in the group. Now they use their experience to help others speak up and seek help.

From Me To You is one of a group of key community projects supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, as part of an 18-month investment to improve engagement within communities where support is needed most. The initiative aims to enable and empower organisations to ensure that everyone can access the support they need.

Judith, founder of From Me To You, said: “Too often, Black and people from ethnic minority backgrounds aren’t being heard within the healthcare system. We’re here to change that. We want to help people find their voice, understand their options and know they’re not alone.”

Steven McIntosh, Chief Partnerships Officer, said: "At Macmillan, we know that people's experiences of cancer care can vary. Too often those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds face additional barriers. That's why we're working with partners like From Me To You. To help people feel seen, heard and empowered, whoever they are, wherever they like."

From Me To You was involved in Beauty of Support project. The project is focused on improving cancer awareness, early diagnosis and culturally safe conversations within Black hairdressing and beauty spaces.

Judith, founder of From Me To You, was a key community contributor for the project. Both Judith and her daughter Ashleigh featured in the Beauty of Support film. Ashleigh speaks about her experience of caring for her mum following Judith’s diagnosis.

View the video to see Judith and Ashleigh share their experience alongside others who were part of the project.

In addition to the film, Judith also featured in some of the Beauty of Support resources.

While the primary involvement was through Beauty of Support, Judith’s wider expertise and lived experience also informed broader conversations at Macmillan around equity, trust and engagement with Black communities. This has connected closely with other areas of work such as clinical trials and inclusive research conversations.