Contents
- Lifestyle related illnesses and hypertension
- Cancer
- Mental health
- Immunisation
- Maternity services
- Children and young people
- Rough sleepers and homeless community members
- Introduction to the Roma health guide
- Barriers to healthcare for the Roma community
- System barriers
- Language barriers and communication
- Cultural barriers - Common health problems and vulnerable groups:
- Lifestyle related illnesses and hypertension
- Cancer
- Mental health
- Immunisation
- Maternity services
- Children and young people
- Rough sleepers and homeless community members
Cancer
Lack of awareness or misconceptions about cancer symptoms and treatment can lead to delay discussing symptoms or seeking help – for example [1] [2], some of Roma Support Group’s clients believe cancer will “get angry” and develop faster if touched by surgery, chemo or other treatment.
Lung cancer is of particular concern because of its connection with smoking, a habit common in the Roma community. One Leeds study [3] from 2019 found that 67% of Roma respondents were current smokers, and a Sheffield [4] study from 2016 found that Roma patients were less likely to attend cancer screening than non-Roma counterparts. Smoking is often associated with stress relief by Roma people, which helps explain why smoking is a common habit in the community.
Some Roma women may be reluctant to discuss gynaecological problems or offers of preventative screening with their GP, particularly a male doctor. It is important to promote and explain the benefits of screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer in a culturally sensitive way, taking into consideration the Roma cultural taboos against mentioning intimate parts of the body, which include breasts and anything below the waist.
Recommendations:
Lung cancer is of particular concern because of its connection with smoking, a habit common in the Roma community. One Leeds study [3] from 2019 found that 67% of Roma respondents were current smokers, and a Sheffield [4] study from 2016 found that Roma patients were less likely to attend cancer screening than non-Roma counterparts. Smoking is often associated with stress relief by Roma people, which helps explain why smoking is a common habit in the community.
Some Roma women may be reluctant to discuss gynaecological problems or offers of preventative screening with their GP, particularly a male doctor. It is important to promote and explain the benefits of screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer in a culturally sensitive way, taking into consideration the Roma cultural taboos against mentioning intimate parts of the body, which include breasts and anything below the waist.
Recommendations:
- Develop anti-smoking messages targeted to the Roma community in community languages. Focus on spreading the message among young people, particularly at community social events.
- Work with community organisations and GP practices to ensure access to screening and checkups, eg. through scheduled drop-in sessions to see a GP and use other community services.
- Ensure that Roma communities are aware of and able to access cancer screening programmes as they age, and become eligible to enter them.
- Work with community organisations and schools to raise awareness, encourage screening and remove misconceptions about cancer symptoms and treatment.
- Develop culturally sensitive public health messaging particularly when using images, eg. avoid using pictures depicting the naked body. For an example, see the Pacesetters programme here.
[1] p. 20, Roma Support Group: East European Roma Health Awareness Guide (2015)
[2] p. 20, Roma Support Group: East European Roma Health Awareness Guide (2015)
[3] p. 30, Leeds City Council: Health Needs Assessment of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma Groups in Leeds 2019
[4] Sheffield City Council: Slovak Roma Health Needs Assessment (2016)
[2] p. 20, Roma Support Group: East European Roma Health Awareness Guide (2015)
[3] p. 30, Leeds City Council: Health Needs Assessment of Gypsies, Travellers and Roma Groups in Leeds 2019
[4] Sheffield City Council: Slovak Roma Health Needs Assessment (2016)
