Why is this important?

Greater Manchester historically has poor cancer outcomes, death rates are around 10% higher than the UK average. Contributing factors include higher levels of obesity, smoking, and socio-economic challenges, as well as lower uptake of national cancer screening programmes compared to other areas.

Talking about cancer isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s so important to engage with communities in ways that are welcoming and inclusive. This approach helps to helps to ensure that people shape cancer research at the NIHR Manchester CRF and the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre and creates positive changes for people.

What did we do?

Vocal, in partnership with Manchester CRF and Manchester BRC, Healthy Me, Healthy Communities, the LGBT Foundation and people affected by cancer, co-created Cancer & Us: Community Conversations.

Cancer & Us took a unique and inclusive approach by:

  • Bringing local communities and researchers together to talk about cancer, prevention and research.
  • Building fair and collaborative relationships between Manchester CRF, Manchester BRC, and community partners.
  • Raising awareness of research, and having a say in research, amongst minoritised communities.

The programme delivered:

  • “Cook & Chat” workshops and engagement focusing on cancer and research.
  • Research laboratory visits for patients and carers.
  • Programme of Creative workshops exploring Cancer and Data.
  • 11 co-produced videos and a Zine (short magazine).
  • A social media campaign raising awareness of cancer research and promoting public involvement in cancer research.

Across the programme 111 people engaged through face-to-face activities and events. Of the 62% of participants who shared their demographic information, more than 30% were of Asian, African, Caribbean or Arab heritage. There was a broad range of ages from 25 to over 75 years old.

What will we do next?

A new Community Cancer Insight Group (C.C.I.G) was developed because of the project. The group is an innovative approach to Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement and Participation (PPIEP) and adopts a community-listening approach, where researchers join the group to listen to what matters most to people about cancer-related topics and then use these insights to inform their research. Cancer & Us also strengthened relationships and created opportunities to support research.