With nearly 5% of Yorkshire population of Asian origin, there are distinct cancer problems within Asian communities that are often worse than those affecting other parts of the region. Keeping that in mind, the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) has announced that Yorkshire Cancer Research as its Charity of the Year in 2015.
Formed in 1925, Yorkshire Cancer Research is an independent charity committed to helping people in Yorkshire to avoid, survive and cope with cancer.
The partnership with YABA promises to help to promote awareness within local communities and help the charity gain a greater understanding of the cancer-related problems that exist in order to improve outcomes for Asian cancer patients.
In Bradford, participation rates in national screening programmes for breast, cervical and bowel cancers are amongst the lowest not only in Yorkshire but also in England. In 2014, the average percentage of eligible women aged 50 to 70 years in Yorkshire who had attended breast screening services within the last three years was 71.8%, slightly lower than the UK average of 72.2%. The attendance in Bradford City CCG and Bradford Districts CCG was significantly lower at 54.7% and 64.4% respectively - the lowest rates in Yorkshire*.
There are also high rates of diagnosis through ‘emergency presentation’, which includes via Accident and Emergency admissions, emergency GP referral and emergency consultant outpatient referral. Emergency presentation often means the cancer is diagnosed at a late stage, when it is more difficult to treat.
Between 2006 and 2010 rates for emergency presentations of lung cancer were higher in Bradford City CCG (23.3 people per 100,000 population) than in England (16.6) and Yorkshire (21.1).
Some evidence also exists to show that Asians are less likely to be able to access effective palliative care and hospice services than many other groups.
Amarjit Singh, Chairman of YABA, said: “Selecting Yorkshire Cancer Research as our chosen charity for the 2015 YABA awards dinner is an important relationship for us. The Asian community needs to know more about how Yorkshire Cancer Research can provide knowledge of their services and support on how to avoid or to survive and cope with cancer.
“YABA will be using this partnership as an opportunity to link Yorkshire Cancer Research to key members of the community so that the dialogue and community activity and engagement continues post the dinner.”
Charles Rowett, Chief Executive Officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, will give a speech at YABA’s Annual Gala Dinner which takes place at Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford in September.
He said: “As well as the evident problems that exist, there are also positive indicators and opportunities where Yorkshire Cancer Research can make a significant difference. In Bradford City, with a 75% Asian population and an age profile considerably lower than the rest of the county, we are not yet seeing the same levels of age-related diseases such as breast, cervical, ovarian and prostate cancers.
“Research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research could be of enormous value in making sure that young Asians are far more aware of the risks, more willing to participate in screening programmes and more likely to act on symptoms at the earliest possible stage so that they can receive the very best and most effective treatment, care and support.
“We very much appreciate the support of YABA and look forward to a long and successful relationship.”
