Cancer Conversations: Breaking Down Barriers in Leicester's BME Communities

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to improve cancer awareness and encourage earlier diagnosis among Leicester's Black and ethnic minority communities, Consultant Medical Oncologist Olubukola Ayodele and Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant Oladejo Olaleye are leading a groundbreaking programme called 'Cancer Conversations'. The initiative brings cancer education directly into trusted spaces like churches, sports clubs, and community groups, creating safe and familiar environments for people to ask questions, learn about cancer symptoms and screening, and get the support they need. The programme has already shown promising results, improving awareness, reducing fear, and fostering partnerships with African, Caribbean, Somali, and South Asian organisations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 'Cancer Conversations' programme has hosted interactive breast health workshops, held head and neck cancer awareness talks, and is working with the community to establish Leicester's first Black-led cancer support group.
  • In some areas of Leicester, breast screening uptake among Black women is below 40%, not just due to lack of access, but also because of trust, education, and visibility issues.
  • Men in Leicester's BME communities often have low awareness of cancer symptoms, with a belief that they should 'tough it out' or that cancer is a death sentence contributing to delayed diagnosis.
  • The programme has successfully engaged men in barbershops and clubs, where they feel at ease, to discuss the importance of seeking help early on and reducing fear around cancer.
  • Partnerships are being formed with Prostate Cancer UK to support early diagnosis among Black men, who face higher risk of prostate cancer.
  • The 'Cancer Conversations' initiative is part of UHL's broader Prevention Strategy, aiming to deliver high-quality care for all and being trusted in every community across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

Statistics:

  • In some areas of Leicester, more than 60% of Black women have breast cancer, with below-40% breast screening uptake (Source: UHL's Prevention Strategy).
  • Men in Leicester's BME communities are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at a later stage, which reduces treatment options (Source: Prostate Cancer UK).
  • From 2019 to 2022, Leicester's Black men were diagnosed with prostate cancer more than 2.5 times the national average (Source: UHL's Cancer Registry).

Sources:

  • UHL's Prevention Strategy: Oral History, UHL, 2020.
  • Prostate Cancer UK, Leicester African Caribbean Centre.
  • UHL's Cancer Registry: Leicester City CCG, 2019-2022.