Cancer Research launches East London awareness group

Emdad Rahman

East London has seen the launch of an informative awareness raising group to help educate the community. The Cancer Research UK East London Group held a public launch and networking dinner at The Atrium in London’s Brick Lane to announce plans and services.

Extensive research has shown that members of the ethnic minority communities are less acquainted with cancer and its symptoms, and many avoid a visit to the doctors when a potential symptom shows up or avoid going for rergular check ups.

Bangladeshis and Black Africans rank among those who least recognise cancer related symptoms. South Asians, especially Indian and Pakistani people, were more likely than White British people to report emotional and practical barriers to seeing their doctor, such as lacking confidence when speaking to their doctor, feeling embarrassed, or being worried about issues.

The East London based group is passionate about raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer within the community as well as raising funds for Cancer Research UK. The group is led by local property developer Muhammad Shamsul Islam, the founder of the Bangladesh Business Association. Working closely alongside him is Shahagir Bakth Faruk, the former Chair of the Tower Hamlets Conservative Party.

Muhammad was inspired after studying research showing South Asian and other BME communities could be putting themselves at risk by not getting their symptoms checked out quickly. The dad of three said: “It is devastating that so many lives are touched by cancer. As a group we want to do everything we can to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease to increase early diagnosis and improve outcomes. We support Cancer Research UK’s aim to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured by raising vital funds for research.”

Guests in attendance included Baroness Pola Uddin; Mayor of Brent, Councillor Parvez Ahmed; and Boshir Ahmed from the British Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce.

Stacey Wilson, Cancer Research UK Fundraising Manager for East London said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Cancer Research UK East London Group for all their support and dedication and look forward to working with them on many awareness raising and fundraising projects.”

•The East London Group is planning a World Cancer Day fundraising dinner and show in February 2017. For more information contact 0300-365 2400.

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