A new UK-wide report commissioned by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Shine Cancer Support has revealed disparities in cancer diagnosis times and experiences for people from minority ethnic backgrounds, in alignment with BMS’ new Cancer Equals campaign.
The campaign, along with its supporting About the 1,000 Voices, Not 1 report, aims to understand and help address the possible reasons for diagnostic delays.
For individuals facing potential symptoms of cancer, delays to diagnosis and beginning treatment can significantly impact treatment outcomes and survival, and can increase the risk of death by 10%, according to global research.
Combining results from a quantitative survey of 1,002 people diagnosed with cancer across the UK with anecdotal evidence and testimonies to curate real health inequality experiences of cancer, the report found that minority ethnic groups faced up to a year’s delay to get a cancer diagnosis – twice as long of a wait compared to white individuals.
The report also revealed that 51% of people from minority ethnic groups were more likely to attribute their symptoms to other conditions, compared to 31% of white individuals, while 34% did not take their symptoms seriously, compared to 21% of white individuals.
As well as this, 25% of people from minority ethnic groups had difficulty seeing a GP due to the challenges of getting an appointment compared to white individuals (16%), while 52% worried about wasting NHS time and resources versus 42% of white individuals.
Further factors in the report from minority ethnic groups versus white individuals included having to stop work (25% versus 10%) and dipping into savings (36% versus 16%).
In addition, patients with less understanding of cancer prior to diagnosis were more likely to need up to three appointments before referral, compared to those with a good understanding of cancer prior to diagnosis.
BMS plans to call on the Cancer Equals Coalition of patient advocates, experts and policymakers to address the critical societal issue of cancer inequalities and implement effective solutions.
Robert Braun, haematology-oncology disease area head, BMS UK and Ireland, said: “By taking action to reduce health inequalities, we can help to improve people’s lives, reduce costs to the health system and benefit the nation as a whole.”