Health Inequalities are well known and the fact that they often lead to poor health outcomes for the most vulnerable within our communities. A number of studies have confirmed that Black and Ethnic Minority people face challenges in accessing timely and appropriate health care.
Black cancer patients and people living with a disability are less likely to feel they are getting enough support while receiving treatment in hospital, according to analysis by a leading charity.
Analysis of the 2023 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for England by Macmillan found that 71% of black patients with cancer feel like they are getting enough support with their overall needs while in hospital, compared with the national average of 76% of patients.
According to the survey, black patients were also less likely to say that their family or carers were involved in treatment decisions as much as they would like them to be, at 75%, compared with 80% of white patients.
The survey also found that people living with a disability or another long-term condition alongside cancer were less likely to feel like they are getting enough support with their overall needs during their cancer treatment, at only 61% of cancer patients who have autism, 68% of those with a mental health condition, 69% of those with a neurological condition such as epilepsy, and 70% of those with a learning disability. This is in comparison to 77% of people who do not have another long-term condition
The survey adds to the current inequalities seen in cancer care across England. A previous study found that ethnic minorities and young people require more visits than other people to the GP before being diagnosed with cancer.
We have over the last months of 2024 come across a number of cancer cases from the Indian community where patient concerns have not been taken seriously, their inclusion in new drug trials if often not offered and where offered the options and importance of joining the trials is not well understood and this represents a huge missed opportunity.
It is hard to find our MPs taking health inequalities seriously, no more empty statements – time to see substantive change taking place.
If you are affected by this or know of someone who is please do get in touch with us.