Why is silence cancer’s best friend?

East London Programme

Source: Analysis by London Health Observatory using Office for National Statistics data.

The problems we faced

Barriers to Awareness in northeast London:

• Language

• Stigma/taboo surrounding breast cancer

• Fear

• Embarrassment

• Cultural issues

How we tackle the problem

• Training student volunteers

• Reaching out to community projects

• Talks are tailored

• Using a ‘multiplier effect’

How we measure improvementWe collect data from women before and after talks and stalls.

Our five questions:

1. Before receiving information on breast cancer, how often did you check your breasts?

2. Following Cancerkin’s presentation, how often will you check your breasts?

3. Do you know more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

4. Do you feel more confident going to your GP with any concerns?

5. Do you feel more confident attending your breast screening?

Our findings

74% of people accessing our services identify as non-white British.

26% from a Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi background

22% as Black or Black British