ROMA SUPPORT GROUP
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Cancer

Contents
  • 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: 
           - Long term/chronic illness or disability
           - Lifestyle related illnesses and hypertension
           - Cancer
           - Mental health
           - Immunisation
           - Maternity services
           - Children and young people
           - Rough sleepers and homeless community members
  • Case studies
  • Resources

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:
​

  • 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)

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  • Home
    • About Us
    • Trustees
    • Staff
    • Our Funders
    • News & Events
    • History
  • Projects
    • Advice & Advocacy >
      • Service User Agreement
      • Roma Community Advocacy Project (2014-19)
      • Elder Roma Engagement Project (2011-14)
      • Young Roma Advocacy Project (2010-13)
    • Art & Culture >
      • Roma Bridging Sounds Orchestra
      • Instrumental music classes in East London >
        • Stage performances by participants in our instrumental classes
        • Dance classes
        • Exhibitions
        • Romani Rad
        • Promoting Roma musicians and artists
        • Visual arts workshops
        • Forum Theatre Project
    • Aspiration Project >
      • Roma Aspiration Project >
        • Education Support Projects
        • Young Roma enjoy orienteering in Lee Valley Regional Park
        • Roma children visit Parliament
        • Building bridges and breaking barriers
        • Kids’ Cookery School
    • Health Projects >
      • Mental Health Project
    • Ketane - Together: Roma Shaping Futures
    • Policy and Campaigning
    • Roma and Brexit >
      • Stay Settled in Newham Project
    • Roma News Project
    • 'Roma Stories': Roma Oral History Project
    • Roma Support and Engagement Programme >
      • Roma Support Group Expertise
      • Specialist Support for Research and Consultation
      • Training for Professionals and the Community
      • Intervention Service for Professionals Working with Roma Families and Individuals in Crisis
    • Sport Inclusion
  • Resources
    • Newsletters
    • Our Publications
    • Annual Reports
    • Our Research
    • Resources for the Roma Community
    • Roma Health Guide
    • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month >
      • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month 2020
      • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month 2021 >
        • GRTHM 2021 Art Competition
      • Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month 2022 - RSG Art Competition
    • Robert Dawson Collection
    • Alternative Service Providers
    • Other Resources
  • Training
    • Customised Training for Organisations
    • Public Training for Professionals >
      • Training: Roma cultural awareness
      • Training: Positive interventions for Roma in health context
      • Training: Positive interventions for Roma in education context
      • Training: Working with Roma in safeguarding context
      • Training: Working with Roma through interpreters
    • Roma Culture Workshops for Schools
  • Vacancies
    • Jobs
    • Volunteering
    • Volunteering as a trustee
  • Membership
  • Support us
    • How to donate
    • Legacies
  • Contact
    • Make a referral