The shocking new study reveals that Black and Asian people who spot cancer symptoms are taking twice as long to be diagnosed compared to white people. Research by Bristol Myers Squibb and Shine Cancer Support shows that individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds face an average of a year’s delay between first noticing symptoms and receiving a cancer diagnosis.
These groups report more negative experiences of cancer care, limited knowledge about the diseases, and lack of awareness of support services, all contributing to later diagnostic rates. The delay in diagnosis can raise the risk of death by around 10 percent.
The study highlights the disparities in experiences between ethnic groups and white individuals when it comes to cancer diagnosis and treatment. People from minority ethnic groups are more likely to attribute their symptoms to other conditions, not take their symptoms seriously, and experience difficulty seeing a GP compared to white individuals.
One individual, Simeon Green, shared his experience of being diagnosed with prostate cancer over a year after first experiencing symptoms. Facing financial struggles and deportation threats, Mr. Green emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the heightened risk that Black men face in developing prostate cancer.
Another individual, Precious, shared her experience of being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia after multiple GP appointments where her symptoms were dismissed as stress. She highlighted the lack of awareness about cancer within her community and the stigma associated with the disease.
Both Mr. Green and Precious now work to support others who have had a cancer diagnosis and raise awareness about the prevalence of the disease. Precious emphasized the importance of sharing her story to help others feel safe and empowered to seek help.
The study coincides with the launch of a new campaign, Cancer Equals, aimed at addressing the inequalities in experiences of cancer among different ethnic groups in the UK. Collaborative efforts between health leadership, advocacy groups, and the pharmaceutical industry are needed to address the challenges faced by minority ethnic groups in cancer diagnosis and treatment.