Areas in Sheffield that have large BME communities have worryingly low cancer screening rates. 

Cancer screening is one of our strongest weapons in the fight against cancer.  The sooner the cancer is detected, the sooner the cancer treatment will start, and the more effective treatment will be. 

Communities in Burngreave, Tinsley and Darnall, which have large black and minority ethnic communities, have been identified as areas where people are not attending cancer screening.  In addition, communities within these areas are often diagnosed with cancer at a later stage, making the disease harder to treat.  

Macmillan Cancer Support has partnered with SIV to host a free one day event at the English Institute for Sports Sheffield, aimed at improving cancer awareness in these areas. 

Abtisam Mohamed, Programme Director at Aspiring Communities Together (ACT), works with communities in Burngreave and is supportive of the one day event, she said:

“ It’s important that events like this help to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer.  We know there are many cultural issues and taboos around cancer, events like this help to break down the myths surrounding the disease.

“ There is so much fantastic support on our doorstep that helps people to live well after cancer.

 “Macmillan, and other organisations are working hard to improve the care and support of people living with and beyond cancer; we must make sure that Sheffield’s BME communities are not left behind.” 

David Bly, Sports Programme and Engagement Manager, SIV welcomed the partnership with Macmillan, he said:

“ The event is open to anyone in Sheffield, but by working with Macmillan we have targeted areas where people are persistently being diagnosed late with cancer, such as Tinsley, Darnall and Burngreave.

“We want to make sure people have access to the right support for them; it won’t be all doom and gloom.”

Louise Metcalfe is the Macmillan Primary Care Quality Lead Nurse, she organised the event and is urging local people to attend, she said: 

 “We want people to open up about cancer, it is scary but it’s no longer the death sentence it once was. 

“ Our event will look at cancer prevention, living life with and after cancer and helping people to talk more openly about cancer.”

The drop in event is happening between 10:00-14:30 on Thursday 27 April at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield in Darnall. There will be support services and expert presentations throughout the day, as well as a free lunch.

Transport to the venue is provided from locations in Burngreave, Tinsley and Darnall.  For more information or to ask about transport please contact Jim Baker james.barker5@nhs.net.