This report examines some of the multifaceted barriers and fears that deter women from African, black and minoritised survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexual violence from accessing cancer screening tests in London.
Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern. Incidence and mortality rates are high globally, and they are high in marginalised and underserved communities. This form of cancer is highly treatable when it is detected early through screening services. However, in the UK, the NHS has raised concerns about the low uptake of screening services among women from Black and Minoritised communities.
On top of other barriers to accessing screening services, these women experience cultural barriers related to the widely used screening method for cervical cancer, commonly referred to as the Pap smear or the smear test. This test is a critical preventive measure, but women from African, Caribbean and Asian backgrounds face unique challenges in relation to it. These include cultural stigma and embarrassment; a lack of awareness; fear and anxiety around the test; the impacts of FGM; language barriers; and negative past experiences with healthcare services. These barriers contribute to lower screening rates and delayed treatment.
To this end, FORWARD has carried out this research to examine the experiences of women from Black and Minoritised communities living in the north-west London boroughs in relation to their use of local cancer services. The study combines the findings of a desk-based literature review with new data gathered through a survey and focus groups. The focus group format was chosen to enable these women to share their perspectives, experiences and suggested solutions in their own voices.
