EMCAW 2008
The Week was launched by Cancer Equality at their ‘Delivering Equality in Cancer Care-A Challenge for All’ conference in 2007. Following this a group of charities came together to deliver a week of events to both raise cancer awareness and improve access to services amongst ethnic minorities.
Our work in 2008
In 2008 EMCAW was focused upon London, as one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world; around 30 per cent of the population belongs to an ethnic minority and over 250 languages are spoken. London was selected as the city to launch EMCAW because in a number of areas the city leads the way in the provision of services to minority communities. At the same time there are inequalities in the cancer incidence and mortality experienced by different communities compared to the general population. Furthermore, evidence suggests that barriers exist for ethnic minorities in accessing cancer information and services which may impact upon cancer survival rates.
Our overarching theme within 2008 was asking a range of organisations, including health service providers and policy makers, to improve services for ethnic minority communities by signing up to the following statement.
I support the removal of barriers to ethnic minority uptake of cancer services and will work towards:
• The systematic recording of robust ethnicity data within the cancer services in my area.
• Using the experiences of ethnic minorities to develop services for diverse communities.
• The implementation of targeted information and support, to reduce inequalities in cancer, and meet the health needs of diverse communities.
• Gathering information about the services already provided for ethnic minorities in order to develop good practice.
We also asked individuals from ethnic minority communities to take an active role in reducing their risk of developing cancer by agreeing to the following statement.
I am aware that cancer affects 1 in 3 individuals and:
• I will know what is normal for my body and see my doctor if I notice any changes.
• I will take part in appropriate national cancer screening services available to me.
• I will be informed of the cancer services I am entitled to.
• I will find out about the things that I can do to reduce my own risk of developing cancer.
The work was funded by the Cancer Action Team and they continue to support EMCAW.
Community events
In 2008 a number of the organisations involved in EMCAW held community events in the week.
London Community Events
Breast Cancer Care
Breast Cancer Care will be holding a services open day on the 7th of July. You will hear a breast awareness talk and have the chance to experience some of the services we provide for people with breast cancer or breast health concerns.
7th July 2008
2-4.30pm
Breast Cancer Care Office
Great Suffolk Street
London
SE1 0NS
To book a place or for more information please contact: Breast Cancer Care on 0845 092 0809.
‘Eating Well When You Have Cancer: A Guide for Chinese Patients’
Friday 11th July 2008, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Chinese National Healthy Living Centre, 1 Frith Street (off Soho Square), London, W1D 3QS
‘Eating Well When You Have Cancer: A Guide for Chinese Patients’ is the second booklet in our series of dietary information materials to help patients from BME communities cope with the side-effects of cancer. (Approved by the Multicultural Nutrition Group and reviewed by the Oncology Group of the British Dietetics Association)
Open to health professionals and service users, the event will provide an insight into the development of the Chinese materials, a preview of the contents of the booklet and an opportunity to meet the individuals and organisations who have contributed towards its production. (with lunch and refreshments)
Balham Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church
Community health fair with a talk on reducing your cancer risk.
Balham SDA
16a The Boulevard
Balham High Road
London
SW17 7BQ
Bristol Community Events
Display stand at St Pauls Carnival Bristol
Saturday 5th July
www.stpaulscarnival.co.uk
Display stand at The Mall Galleries shopping centre
Monday 7th July,9.00-5.00pm
Display stand at The Mall Galleries shopping centre, Broadmead, Bristol, BS1 3DX
www.bristolbroadmead.co.uk
Display stand at Wellsprings Healthy Living Centre
Tuesday 8th July
12.00-2.00pm
Display stand at Wellsprings Healthy Living Centre, Beam Street, Redfield Bristol, BS5 9QY.
Bristol activities organised by:
Claire Corry
Patient & Public Involvement Lead from Avon, Somerset & Wiltshire Cancer services
Contact: Claire.corry@aswcs.nhs.uk or 0117 9002321
Website: www.aswcs.nhs.uk
Marion Burrell
Support & Development Worker for Cancer Help for Minority Ethnic Communities (CHEC), Serving Bristol & South Glos Primary Care Trust areas
Contact: marion.burrell@nhs.net or 0117 982 8549
Website: www.bristolpct.nhs.uk
