East London charity Community Links is working with the NHS in Newham to raise awareness of the warning signs of cancer. Spotting cancer early saves lives, and the ‘small c’ campaign is designed to help people recognise the signs and symptoms when the cancer is still small and more susceptible to treatment. These days 9 out of 10 women with breast cancer, survive if they are diagnosed early.
The project is based in Plashet School, a girls’ secondary school in which 95% of the pupils are Asian.
The co-ordinator of the project has experienced breast cancer herself; Frances Clarke identified the signs early and went onto make a full recovery. She is able to testify to the importance of early detection and is determined to share this message with other women.
The project was inspired by research carried out in North East London which found that breast cancer awareness was low. Asian women were found to have lower awareness than white women, especially in relation to knowledge of breast cancer symptoms, reported breast checking, confidence to detect breast changes and knowledge of the NHS Breast Screening Programme. Asian women were more likely than white women to report that worry about what the doctor might find, embarrassment and lack of confidence talking about symptoms might put them off seeing the doctor.
Community Links’ unique approach is in seeking to reach mothers through their daughters. They have run weekly lessons in the school sharing information with the girls about the possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer, about the need to carry out regular breast self examination and seeking to build confidence to go to the doctor if there are any concerns. They are seeking to establish habits for life for the girls as well as asking them to take this information home to their mums.
“Our main aim is to ensure that all the possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer are known. Most people recognise a lump as a sign, but not changes in skin texture, such as dimpling and puckering; changes in the appearance or direction of the nipple; nipple discharge or a rash. It is vital that women recognise all of these symptoms and that they check regularly for them” explains Frances.
Community Links are running activities for the girls and their mums including a trip to the Breast Screening Unit at St Bartholomew’s Hospital for 50 Year 11 girls. Bart’s have responded with great enthusiasm and will be taking the girls through all the processes involved in breast screening: Breast Awareness with a session led by a Breast Cancer Nurse Specialist), Mammography, Breast MRI and Ultrasound/biopsy. The girls are going to be shown the most up to date equipment and given wonderful opportunities such as witnessing ultrasound scan demonstrations with chicken breasts stuffed with olives.
A ‘Girl’s Night’ for mums and girls will happen in November, girls will share the information with their mums through plays and songs. The aim is to reach all of the mums including those who don’t speak or read English and podcasts are being developed in a range of Asian languages. “We are supporting this project because is it will be of benefit to our pupils and to their wider families. We are getting the whole school involved by organising a ‘Pink Day’ in November where we will raise both awareness and money for breast cancer services.” Mrs Nasir, Headteacher.
Ex-pupils of the School are involved as volunteers; several are now at University training to be Doctors, Bio-medical scientists and lawyers. The involvement of these young women as volunteers in the classroom and assembly presentations has made it not only more exciting for the pupils but has also added power to the messages.
“The sessions with the girls are great fun. We all laugh with embarrassment and thoroughly enjoy ourselves” explains Frances.
To find out more please visit www.smallc.org.uk ; frances.clarke@community-links.org