A Band of Brothers: MediCinema’s Tailored Screenings for Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients

Back in 2017, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I was told it was a less aggressive form – the ‘pussy cat’, not the ‘tiger’ – and chose to have my prostate removed. Like most guys, I didn’t know much about the prostate – we’ve heard of it, but we don’t know what it does or where it is. But with guidance from the hospital, and seminars run by Prostate Life, my wife Susie and I learnt so much and met so many people, each with their own story. It turns out my diagnosis actually opened up my life – to more support, and more connection with others.

One of the support groups I joined was the Advanced Prostate Cancer Club which runs activities for all us guys with prostate cancer like online quizzes, art classes and a walking group called the ‘Walkie Talkies’ – amongst many other things. It’s an amazing support network. When they started offering visits to the MediCinema, Daniela the co-ordinator encouraged us to go along. Susie and I have been married for 55 years and have always loved going to the cinema together, so of course we signed up – and we’ve been going ever since.

But it’s not just about watching a film. You step inside, away from the noise of London and the worry of illness, and suddenly you’re somewhere peaceful. You can just escape it all and watch a film. That’s what films do: they take you to a different world and take you out of yourself. You’re transported.

The comfort break in the middle of the screening is just an extra bonus!

After the film we all talk and laugh. People bring biscuits, and we chat – catching up with familiar faces and welcoming new people who’ve just joined the group. My wife says I talk to everyone – that everyone’s a target! – but we both know how important a simple cup of tea and a chat can be. It cuts through the loneliness. When you first get a diagnosis, it can feel like you’re on your own. But when you come here it’s pretty clear that you’re not – you’ve got all these people around you in the same boat. You can walk into the MediCinema and be around people who just get it. Life is normal, life is good. And suddenly you’re not alone anymore.

MediCinema screenings are like magic. For that small amount of time, something changes in everyone. People look forward to getting here, to sitting down and watching the film and to seeing each other – and the main question everyone asks at the end is always: “When is the next screening?” We’ve become like a family – a band of brothers you’re always pleased to see. Building relationships like that is one of the fundamental building blocks of life – it opens the world up again.

You don’t realise how important things like this are until you’re in it and you experience it. But once you’re part of it, like we are, you can’t help thinking: there should be MediCinemas everywhere.