Community Research: What we heard about cancer and access to healthcare
Download (PDF 1.76 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Oxfordshire worked with the Sunrise Multicultural Project in Banbury to produce a community research report exploring the experiences of approximately 20 South Asian women regarding cancer and access to healthcare.
Sunrise sought to better understand the experiences of the communities it supports in Banbury’s Neithrop and Ruscote areas, particularly the barriers people face in obtaining a timely diagnosis and the types of support that would help them seek and receive early cancer care.
With support from Healthwatch Oxfordshire, focus groups were held with two of the project’s women’s support groups. During these sessions, 20 women shared their experiences of cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as their broader experiences of accessing healthcare.
The report summarises the women’s insights. Many described difficulties in obtaining the healthcare they needed, including long waits for GP, dental and hospital appointments, and challenges in accessing interpreting support. Their experiences of cancer awareness and diagnosis varied, but many women played an important role in encouraging others to attend screening and valued practical, culturally appropriate support.
The report and recommendations have been shared with Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance.
Report recommendations include:
- Building on communities’ awareness of cancer prevention, screening and diagnosis
- Addressing gaps in interpreting support and access to GP services
- Working with communities to develop culturally appropriate cancer care, information, communication and support
Healthwatch Oxfordshire will continue to support Sunrise to take forward the actions identified in the report.
As a result of the work to date, a breast care nurse has visited the project to talk to women, and translated information has been made available.