This page focuses on Community Action: MK and Macmillan Cancer Support’s work on raising awareness of cancer, including myeloma, amongst the Faith and BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities.
Our Group is predominantly over 50, white British, and we are very aware this may not provide a comfortable face to patients who are not, and we want to change that.
There is a UK-wide 50’s and Under myeloma support Group and we can connect younger myeloma patients with them, just contact us.
We want to grow our presence within the Faith and BAME communities, and we are so fortunate that Community Action: MK (CAMK) and Macmillan have partnered to effect this (for all cancers). Fortunately, we have an indirect partner for this.
Here is their web page summarising this work. Existing research suggests that these groups tend to have more negative experiences of cancer services. CAMK and Macmillan are developing a better understanding of the those views and attitudes in the BAME and faith communities in MK. The final 2002 report for the Government Denny Review can be found here.
The team offers:
Milton Keynes has undergone huge changes in population since its founding 50 years ago. The Council webpage **here** lists two documents: **Part 1 Communities here** and Part 2 Schools which celebrate the inclusive nature of our schools and society for Faith and BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities. The proportion of BAME school population has grown from 31% in 2010 to 45.51% in 2020, with proportionately higher growth of the BAME communities compared to white British.
Cancer fear and cancer fatalism are believed to be higher in ethnic minorities than White British due to people not seeking timely help and support when most needed. It is possible that this stigma is what initially prevents people from BAME communities from seeking this much-needed help. Cultural issues and language barriers can often compound uptake of screening.
Myeloma UK recognizes that myeloma disproportionately impacts Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, leading to a greater impact on quality of life. MUK is focused on this issue through campaigns like "Think Myeloma click here!" and by supporting research that aims to improve earlier diagnosis and a better understanding of the needs of these communities. MUK is in partnership with the Race Equality Foundation, details can be found here.
Anyone interested in reading further on disparities within cancer care in Faith and BAME communities can read this report by Clearview Research