Every October, CAHN commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month with impactful interventions across Greater Manchester. As part of national efforts to address health inequalities and improve outcomes for African and Caribbean communities, we focus on raising awareness and providing essential resources to equip women in these communities with the knowledge and tools to detect, understand, and respond to breast cancer. Through our work, we aim to overcome the challenges Black women face in accessing care, education, and early detection, empowering them to resilient and to take control of their health.
Breast cancer affects all women, but Black women are disproportionately impacted, often diagnosed at later stages and facing higher mortality rates compared to their white counterparts. Factors such as limited healthcare access, cultural barriers, and lack of awareness around early detection contribute to these disparities. At CAHN, we are committed to reducing the mortality gap by providing women in African and Caribbean communities with the education, tools, and support to make informed decisions about their health.
Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CAHN organises workshops, health talks, support groups, and outreach initiatives to educate Caribbean and African women about the signs, symptoms, and importance of early detection. We equip women with the skills to perform self-breast exams, recognise potential issues, and seek timely medical advice. Our events also emphasise the importance of routine screenings and mammograms, empowering women to take charge of their health.
We also create a platform for Black women to share their stories, fostering community solidarity, reducing stigma, and encouraging open dialogue about the impact of breast cancer.
CAHN is proud to be part of national initiatives addressing health disparities within African and Caribbean communities. Through partnerships with organisations and public health bodies, we ensure better access to culturally competent healthcare and advocate for policies that address the unique needs of these communities. By contributing to health equity efforts, we strive to improve breast cancer outcomes and create lasting change.
We invite everyone; community members, healthcare professionals, survivors, and supporters to join us in raising awareness and reducing the impact of breast cancer on Black women. Together, we can break down barriers, inspire action, and save lives.
For more details, please contact Sakinat Baiyewu or Fabiola Bayavuge on Healthandwellbeing@cahn.org.uk