Lack of screening meaning BAME women put in mortal danger

The number of women in Oldham being screened for cervical cancer has dropped in the last year and is now a full three points behind the national average - even though regular testing can prevent the condition completely.

But help is at hand with the news that two of the main players in Britain’s first Asian breast cancer campaign – Oldham GP Dr Anita Sharma and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Muzahid Khan MBE – now plan to eliminate cervical cancer completely. 

“Yes, this is a mighty challenge, but when you hear that 350,000 women lose their lives globally from the condition yearly and every one of those deaths is preventable, you have to think big,” said Dr Sharma (pictured below).  

“Study after study has shown that low screening levels happen mostly in disadvantaged areas – and that includes our South Asian communities in Oldham.” 

Speaking during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January) the founder of the Endometriosis Awareness North charity reminded us that virtually all cases are linked to a common virus and that, “effective tools exist to prevent, detect and treat it.” 

The other great weapon to deter cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine – which protects against viruses which cause cancer.  

This is usually administered to 12 and 13 year-olds, but anti-vax feelings have meant that the number of these administered is falling, too. 

Thankfully, tackling received wisdom is something Dr Sharma and Muzahid Khan do with their health work in the South Asian community. 

Last year in conjunction with the Henna Foundation, Muzahid organised the Pink Chai campaign, which encouraged groups to come together over a cup of Indian tea and discuss cancer.  

“It was so refreshing to see women talking so openly about cancer and beating the stigma so often associated with it.  

“At an event that preceded Pink Chai, Dr Sharma and I listened to a woman who had received chemotherapy for two years, never even telling her family about her condition. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring.” 

Pink Chai is also attempting to fund screening services across the developing world and in Bangladesh. 

Muzahid Khan has recently been appointed to the board of trustees at the Endometriosis Awareness North charity and Dr Sharma will tell coffee mornings, meetings and webinars that selling the positives around screening should involve everyone.   

Dr Sharma added: “Increasing the profile of women’s health issues is societal and requires people of all ages, backgrounds and genders to become involved. 

“With sustained political commitment, equitable access to health services, and collective action, we can ensure that no woman is left behind, and that cervical cancer is no longer a public health problem.” 

For more on Endometriosis Awareness North, go to https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/