Black and Mixed Black women needed for breast, ovarian and uterine cancer study
Dr Esther Moss, left, and Dr Natalie Darko.
University researchers are looking for Black and mixed Black women to take part in a study looking at their awareness of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer.
The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, aims to understand their awareness and experiences of the specific cancers, with the aim of developing inclusive and equitable cancer care.
Researchers would like to talk to women aged 25 to 65 from a Black African, Black Caribbean, Black or mixed Black identity, with or without a cancer diagnosis to take part in the SISTAH study, either through an anonymous online survey, interviews and or focus group interviews taking place in Leicester, London, Birmingham and Liverpool.
Dr Natalie Darko, Associate Professor of Health Equity at the University of Leicester, and Director of Inclusion at the Leicester National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre and Clinical Research Facility (CRF), is leading the study.
She said: “Black and mixed Black women in the UK are more likely to experience barriers to cancer awareness, diagnosis and care. Not only that but awareness campaigns are not typically tailored to diverse communities and this can lead to far poorer outcomes.
“We know, for example from our other research that women in Black ethnic minority groups who are diagnosed with uterine (womb) cancer have a substantially higher mortality rate compared to other ethnic groups in England and Wales. This health inequity is something that we simply must address and our study aims to do just that.
“It’s vitally important therefore that we gather the views of these women to determine how best to go about this.”
Dr Esther Moss, Associate Professor of Gynaecological Oncology, at the University added: “We hope that as many women as possible will come forward and talk to us so we can clearly identify the challenges, listen to experiences and improve awareness.
“The findings will be shared with policy makers, community organisations and healthcare providers, to help shape future awareness campaigns and improve care pathways.”
The study is also offering yoga-based classes to those who take part in interviews or focus groups, along with a gift voucher. Focus groups will be taking place in London, Leicester, Liverpool and Birmingham.
The first SISTAH study focus group (with yoga session) will take place at the African Caribbean Centre on Friday 31 October between 2-4pm.
To find out more information about the study and how to take part please contact the study team via email: sistercirclestudy@leicester.ac.uk and visit the webpage for access to the survey.