Patrick Vernon

On 9th February, 2026- Community campaigner Stafford Scott shared a powerful message before going in for major surgery to prevent cancer from spreading in his lungs. His call was clear and urgent: Black men must visit their GP, access healthcare early, and not delay seeking support. Early detection saves lives.

Stafford’s decision to speak openly at such a vulnerable moment reflects the leadership he has shown for decades. Many Black men continue to face barriers to accessing healthcare, including stigma, mistrust of institutions, and the pressure to appear resilient. As a result, conditions such as cancer are often diagnosed too late, when outcomes are far more severe. This reality makes Stafford’s message especially important.

These issues are explored in his 2025 podcast series, A Dialogue of Equals: Black Men in Conversation with the NHS. The series brings together Black men, NHS professionals, and community advocates to address health inequalities and the lived experiences shaping health outcomes. Central to the discussion is the concept of the “weathering” effect of racism — the cumulative impact of discrimination and chronic stress on Black men’s physical and mental health over the life course. The series challenges the misconception that poorer health outcomes are linked to ethnicity alone, highlighting instead how unequal treatment and structural racism shape risk and access to care.

The conversations also question the narrative that Black communities are “hard to reach.” Rather, they emphasise the responsibility of institutions to design inclusive, culturally competent services built through trust, long-term engagement, and genuine partnership. Health equity, the series argues, cannot be achieved without addressing the wider social determinants of health, including housing, employment, education, and racism itself.

Patrick Vernon OBE, a contributor to the series, has worked with Stafford Scott for over 25 years and reflects on the importance of these dialogues in bridging gaps between communities and the NHS. His contributions highlight the need for sustained collaboration, accountability, and co-production if health outcomes for Black men are to improve meaningfully.

As Stafford Scott undergoes major surgery, thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He is widely recognised as a lifelong fighter and campaigner for justice, health equity, and the wellbeing of Black communities.

The message from this moment is clear: listening to and sharing A Dialogue of Equals is vital, but action matters most. Booking a GP appointment, attending health checks, and encouraging Black men to seek support early are practical steps that can save lives. Looking after one’s health is not a sign of weakness — it is an act of strength, care, and responsibility to oneself and the wider community.