At SWAG, we are committed to better understanding the needs of our communities and ensuring that cancer services across our region are accessible, equitable, and fair. We know that there are some people who face bigger barriers and challenges to accessing healthcare services, and we are driven to uncover areas where these exist and work together to build in solutions that make cancer care accessible for everyone, regardless of who you are, where you live, or your background.
- 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime
- 40% of cancer are preventable as they are related lifestyle risk factors
People living with cancer in the most socio-economically deprived areas:
- are 20% more likely to have their cancer diagnosed at a late stage
- receive only half the number of referrals to early stage clinical trials
- face almost 25% more emergency admissions in the last year of life compared to people in the least deprived areas
People with the lowest incomes:
- are almost twice as likely to report a need for more emotional support
- are twice as likely to want more practical support inside the home
- are three times more likely to need practical support outside the home than people with a higher income
Share or take part in our Healthwatch Survey
We have partnered with Healthwatch to uncover inequalities and barriers people face to accessing cancer care, to help us better understand how our services can be improved.
The survey is open to anyone who has experience with cancer services, and we are particularly looking to hear from those who may face additional barriers, such as people with disabilities, refugees, people living in deprived or rural areas, travellers, LGBTQ+ communities, etc. We want to hear what challenges or barriers are faced when it comes to accessing cancer services, whether screening, diagnosis or treatment.
Above: An engagement event with The Friends of Caswell Thompson and SWAG primary Care networks aimed at supporting balanced decision making in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer in Black men
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