Virtual event will explore the lived experiences of Black women and non-binary people with cancer

A virtual event is being held tomorrow to explore to the lived experiences of Black women and non-binary people living with cancer in the UK.

On Thursday April 29 at 6-8pm, Black Women Rising will be holding the virtual event, hosted by Peckham-based comedian, blogger, and public speaker Jessica Jones (@thefatfunnyone).

Black Women Rising’s ‘Let’s Talk About Race & Cancer’,  will explore the lived experiences of Black women and non-binary people in the UK and engage in an open and honest conversation about how race plays an important factor when being diagnosed with cancer in the UK.

According to a report conducted by Public Health England in 2016, Black African and Black Caribbean women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer compared to their white counterparts.

A survey conducted by Cancer Research UK in 2016 found that Black women are less likely than White women to go for a mammogram when invited by the NHS.

A 2021 survey conducted by Black Women Rising UK, found that 46 per cent of the women were told by their consultant in their initial consultation that despite having symptoms, they did not believe that they had cancer.

96 per cent of those who took part in the Black Women Rising 100 Women Survey said they do not see themselves represented enough in the media talking about breast cancer.