"I was just doing stuff in bed on the computer — working, emailing, and whatever," McQueen shared in a candid interview with Deadline, reflecting on the moment he learned about the small tumour growing on his prostate.
Despite the devastating news, McQueen chose to keep his diagnosis under wraps, focusing instead on managing the Blitz production. "I kept it private at that stage," he explained, determined not to alarm his cast and crew.
In true McQueen fashion, he didn’t let the diagnosis derail his plans. Delaying the shoot by just two weeks, he underwent surgery to remove the tumour. Fast forward two years, McQueen is back in the director’s chair, fully recovered, and living life to the fullest.
"I really just wanted to get on with the job," he said, summing up his no-nonsense approach.
This wasn’t McQueen’s first brush with the harsh reality of prostate cancer. His father tragically passed away from the disease in 2006, a loss that left a profound mark on him. Yet, in hindsight, it was this tragedy that may have saved McQueen’s life.
"In some ways, you could say my dad saved my life because, unfortunately, he died of it," McQueen reflected. His father’s battle prompted McQueen to stay vigilant about his own health, which led to the early detection that ultimately spared him a worse fate.
Having faced prostate cancer head-on, McQueen is now on a mission to spread awareness, particularly within the Black community, where the risk is higher.
"One in 12 Black men will die of prostate cancer," McQueen stated passionately. "For me, it was about preempting it. The fact that I was preempting the situation for years was, again, my saviour in that way. So, just preempt it and get it early."
McQueen expressed frustration at the hesitancy among men to seek screenings. "The tragedy of this is no one has to die of it," he emphasised, highlighting the life-saving importance of early detection.
McQueen’s advocacy extends to his art. In 2021, he released Embarrassed, a short film tackling the stigma around prostate cancer in the Black community. Featuring stars like Idris Elba and Morgan Freeman, the film opened conversations about a topic too often shrouded in silence.
His latest short, Proactive for Your Prostate, stars David Harewood and furthers his campaign to encourage Black men to prioritise regular screenings.
"The tragedy of this is no one has to die of it," he reiterated.
(With inputs from agencies)