A SERIES of four short films, created to encourage breast cancer screening among Black and South Asian women, has been launched in Greater Manchester to help address lower screening rates and later diagnoses in these communities.
The films were produced by Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance with researchers from The University of Manchester and charities Prevent Breast Cancer, the Caribbean and African Health Network, and Fatima Women's Association, and are available to watch on YouTube.
Ali Jones, director of early diagnosis and commissioning at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, said: "We know that in Greater Manchester women from ethnic minorities are less likely to attend their breast cancer screening.
The films were produced by the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance (Image: Supplied)
"Screening is important because it can save lives by spotting breast cancer early when it is more likely to be curable.
"We also know women from ethnic minorities are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a later stage so we hope these videos will help empower women to visit their GP as soon as they notice a potential symptom so they can be checked out.
"The chances are it won't be breast cancer, but it is better to know."
'Ethnic minorities are less likely to attend their breast cancer screening' (Image: Supplied)
The films address common fears and misconceptions around breast cancer screening and encourage women to see their GP if they notice symptoms, such as a lump.
Professor Ashu Gandhi, consultant surgeon and honorary professor at The University of Manchester, said: "This work is important as we are increasingly recognising the deeply entrenched inequalities in the access to, and provision of, breast healthcare in the UK.
"The unique feature of this research is that the intervention aimed at improving breast healthcare uptake in ethnic minority communities is borne from the involvement and advice of these same groups."
The films address common fears and misconceptions around breast cancer screening (Image: Supplied)
The films were produced using the 'Tree of Life' methodology to build trust and understand barriers to care.
Each of the four videos was developed in collaboration with women from the targeted communities and reviewed for authenticity, incorporating validated behavioural change techniques.