Accessing Breast Care and Breast Screening for those with Diverse Needs

Breast disease (including breast cancer) affects people from all walks of life. People from diverse backgrounds, for example, may face unique challenges when it comes to accessing breast care services and breast cancer treatment. Diversity (our differences) includes, for example, our age, culture, language, race, beliefs, income and abilities. It is important that these differences do not exclude people from attending for breast care and breast treatment.

Our differences may limit access to healthcare for some people. This can be due to a variety of factors, including culture, language barriers, limited transportation options or financial restraints. Without suitable access to regular screenings and medical care, for example, breast cancer may go undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat.

Some cultures may view cancer as a taboo subject or believe that it is a punishment for past sins. This may prevent people from attending medical appointments. It is important that all cultures are able to access appropriate healthcare information to raise this topic, so it becomes part of normal conversation and helps to reduce later diagnosis of breast cancer.

Language barriers can also be a significant challenge for people from diverse backgrounds. Without access to interpreters or translated materials, it can be difficult to understand medical information or communication. This can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunications that can impact the quality of care received.

The Primrose Foundation is proud to work in partnership with the breast services at University Hospitals Plymouth as they provide a wide range of multilingual support and information. This varies from multilingual leaflets to providing a suitable interpreter/ translator however this support can only be provided if the service is made aware of any additional support needed in advance.

For those with disabilities, The Primrose centre services have user-friendly sites and equipment and can provide hearing loops, large print and braille. More information on this can be found here.

We understand that the financial burden can impact attendance at breast screening appointments or can be a serious worry for those undergoing breast cancer treatment. People from low-income backgrounds may struggle to afford transportation, for example, leading to delays in diagnosis or inadequate treatment.

The Primrose Foundation has recently worked with the West Devon & East Cornwall Breast Screening team along with Plymouth City Bus to offer free travel access to those struggling to attend their breast screening appointment. If this is, you or someone you know and would like more information about this please call the screening team on (01752) 431652.