Cancer charity Macmillan sponsored a dominoes competition and luncheon at Anerley’s popular ‘Pineapple Club’, a luncheon club for older people of Caribbean or African heritage.

The event, which took place at Anerley Town Hall on the 22nd September, is part of an on-going initiative by Macmillan to connect with groups who may not typically access the charity’s support. The project also aims to gather the cancer experiences of club members – good or bad – to help Macmillan improve its own services and help shape cancer care within the NHS.

Research from Macmillan has found that inequalities in cancer care exist within Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the capital, and evidence shows that these groups are more likely to have had a negative experience[i].

Elaine Wright

Pineapple Club member Elaine (65) explained how challenging it had been to get her cancer correctly diagnosed:

“For years I had stomach problems. I was going to my doctor all the time and doing tests.

It took 14 years before I was diagnosed with stomach cancer – the GPs didn’t really know what was wrong, they’d tell me that I had a stomach ulcer and for years they treated me for an ulcer.

“In May 1999, after all the tests and all the tablets, they found out that I had cancer cells in my stomach. But just before I was diagnosed with cancer, a gastroenterology doctor said to me: “Mrs Wright, you’ve just cost the NHS £22,000”. I was so mad about that – I had three young kids, so it was crucial I looked after my health and my wellbeing.

“But my persistence paid off – don’t be put off by a doctor. I remember telling one of my GPs, when they still didn’t know I had cancer, that “there must be something wrong, I’m too young to feel like this, I’m tired all the time. Something is not right!” Persistence is what got me to finally being diagnosed.”

After undergoing surgery, Elaine’s stomach cancer was successfully removed, and she has been cancer-free for over 23 years.

“I’m very, very happy and I’m glad that I am still here and can share my story. This is my testimony…there’s life, don’t give up! Once you get the right treatment and the right love and care, there is life.

“Macmillan coming here may open some of the members eyes to what Macmillan can do and what they can offer. Especially the men who are scared to go see their doctors and who may have been told they have prostate or bowl cancer but are worried about getting their treatment…I’m hoping this event will help a lot of them.”

Macmillan’s Janet Clarke said of the event:

“It was wonderful to spend time with the members of the Pineapple Club, who certainly taught us a thing or two about dominoes! We also learnt much about their cancer experiences, which they were good enough to share with honesty and energy. At Macmillan we are striving to ensure we are there for everyone with cancer, so this event was a positive step towards gathering the testimonies of a community that has often been overlooked and unheard. These learnings will help us improve our services to meet the needs of all communities.

“The day was also a great opportunity for Macmillan to showcase the breadth of support that we offer – from energy advice and financial guidance, to treatment information and emotional support. We’ll do whatever it takes to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.”

The domino competition winner on the day was Elise Sutherland. And all club members were treated to lunch by Macmillan too.

If you would like to share your cancer experiences with Macmillan, you can email: Londoncancercommunity@macmillan.org.uk