Jan 1, 2025 Story by: Editor
A leading charity’s analysis reveals that Black cancer patients and individuals living with disabilities are less likely to feel adequately supported during hospital treatment.
Macmillan’s 2023 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey for England found that 71% of Black cancer patients reported receiving sufficient support for their overall needs while in the hospital, compared to the national average of 76%.
The survey also showed that Black patients were less likely to say their family or carers were involved in treatment decisions to the extent they desired, with only 75% reporting this involvement, versus 80% of white patients.
Additionally, individuals living with disabilities or other long-term conditions alongside cancer felt less supported in their overall care. Among cancer patients with autism, 61% felt their needs were met, while 68% of those with mental health conditions, 69% with neurological conditions like epilepsy, and 70% with learning disabilities reported the same. This contrasts with 77% of those without additional long-term conditions who felt supported.
These findings highlight ongoing disparities in cancer care across England. Previous studies have found that ethnic minorities and younger patients are more likely to need multiple visits to their GP before receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Steven McIntosh, Macmillan Cancer Support’s chief partnerships officer, commented, “These figures are yet more evidence of the unacceptable variations in people’s experiences of cancer care. It shouldn’t be the case that who you are and where you live affects whether you receive the support that’s right for you.”
He added, “Better is possible. We welcome the Westminster government’s recent commitment to a national cancer plan. A central aim of this plan must be ensuring fair access to life-saving cancer care for communities who currently have the worst experiences.”
Saffron Hanson, from the Can You C Me project, which works to tackle cancer care disparities among minority ethnic communities, stated, “These findings highlight a pressing need for equity in cancer care, particularly for Black communities who report significantly lower support and involvement in treatment decisions. Through the Can You C Me project, we are working closely with south London’s black and minority ethnic communities to amplify their voices, identify systemic barriers, and drive meaningful change.”
“Our mission is to ensure that every patient, regardless of ethnicity, receives culturally sensitive care that meets their needs and those of their families. Together, we can show that better is not only possible but essential.”
Nicola Boyd, a Black British woman diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, shared her personal experience with consultants and doctors: “It’s so hard to advocate for yourself when you are unclear what things mean, and if you have specific needs,” she said.
“I was lucky that my medical team eventually got to know me and understand I am an individual, but I still felt I was put under pressure to have treatment that I was unsure of.”
“I respect the NHS, but people shouldn’t have to navigate their diagnosis and treatment like a maze and raise their voices to push for answers beyond the generic responses and get a more personalised treatment plan. There simply should not be a one size fits all approach to cancer care.”
An NHS spokesperson responded: “Patient experience of care is incredibly important to the NHS, which is why we commissioned the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey to help us improve services.
“While black people with cancer and people with a long-term condition rated their overall experience of care nearly nine out of 10, we are committed to addressing their concerns while supporting our staff who are treating a record number of patients.” Source: The Guardian
