Speaking at the event, our CEO Jabeer Butt challenged the idea that “cancer does not discriminate.” He said:
“While it’s a hopeful sentiment, the reality is far more complex. Drawing on the Race Equality Foundation’s work, I explored how racial disparities are embedded at every stage of the cancer pathway—from who gets screened and when, to how people are diagnosed, treated, and included in clinical trials. We discussed the persistent data gaps, the erosion of trust in services, and the structural barriers that too often go unaddressed. But we also explored how things can change: through better data, culturally competent care, co-designed services, and community-led messaging.”
The response was both moving and motivating. One of the organisers described feeling “relief and joy” at our contribution and reflected on the “sheer weight of insight and evidence” we brought to the day. That kind of feedback is humbling—but it’s also a reminder of how far we still have to go.
Our aim remains the same: to help build a system where race equity isn’t something added on later, but designed in from the start.
Our Work:
Learn about our work on Better Health and read our briefing paper.
Learn about our work on Breast Cancer.
Read ‘Breast Screening uptake remains below target’.
Read ‘Cancer and Black and minority ethnic communities’.
Read our consensus statement on breast screening inequalities.
