Asian Womens' Health Awareness Conference

Back to media centre  |   Category: Latest News  |   Date: 15th Oct 2010

On 1st October 2010 The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal hosted a Conference on ' Addressing Health Inequalities in Breast Screening- A Partnership Approach'.

The Conference aimed to solve a problem that has been recognised for many years; women living in the UK from minority ethnic groups tend to have a low uptake of NHS breast screening.

The programme (which can be downloaded), consisted of two sessions of short lectures in the morning followed by well facilitated interactive sessions in the afternoon exploring various key barriers as well as solutions. Some of the research work, poster display and field work was also presented.

A number of barriers and solutions were identified at the conference

Barriers

Breast Awareness
Lack of Awareness of the risk, how to do self examination, how good the cure rates are if diagnosed early, that Screening Vans are staffed by women only, the importance of reporting a breast symptom to the GP, awareness of prevention being better than waiting for a problem to arise. This is applicable to women under 50 as well as those over 50 who are invited for screening. Particularly a problem for 1st generation who have not been exposed to the changing shift in mainstream UK culture towards increased breast awareness. Cultural shyness about health issues especially breasts, and possible stigma of cancer diagnosis.

Language and literacy
Invitation letters are in English, may be too technical, and the letter may not be read directly by the woman invited. Literature in South Asian languages not readily accessible although available.

Channels of communication
Hospitals and GPs may have no record of the language of 1st choice. Women non-attending are not followed up by a health worker or by the GP, and not sent information in their own language.

Solutions

Making links with the Community
Improving awareness and getting the health messages across will require involving the South Asian community, their own community organisations, patient 'ambassadors', role models and leaders. Links between communities, GPs and hospitals need to be strengthened, perhaps by using Asian GP's and other health care professionals. Educating male members of the community could also help raise awareness and encourage women to attend screening.

Improved literature
Quality and availability, pictorial or talking leaflets.

Using Asian media
There are many Asian radio and TV channels in multiple languages. Use of advertising space or encouraging soap operas to deal with breast health issues.

Please see the useful links on the right hand side for access to presentations and information from the conference.