"You have seriously changed my attitude to nutrition and exercise and I so wish I'd found you 10 years ago!" Course participant

Our award winning Berkshire West Cancer Champion project was launched to address the pressing issue of low cancer screening rates and late-stage diagnoses, particularly within South Reading's diverse communities. Our focus:

“As a result of this project, the communities have told us they now
feel they have a voice regarding cancer, a better understanding of it and of
treatment, and they are more engaged with health professionals and services.” Dr Kajal Patel

Since it’s start in 2017, the Cancer Champions Project has gone from strength to strength. Through partnerships with local health organisations we have now trained over 50 cancer champions from diverse communities including Polish, Romanian, Zambian, Afro-Caribbean, Sudanese, Nepalese, Pakistani, Chinese and Filipino.

Our champions raise awareness, and promote early screening, detection and treatment of cancers.

With the Champions at the forefront of engaging with hard to reach disadvantaged communities, we have reached over 7,000 people, in a way that health professionals have struggled to do in the past. Language and cultural barriers are broken down and, in contrast to before the project, whole communities are now engaging as the message comes from within their own community.

This community-led approach has led to: 

		A huge rise in screening up-take.
		Falling cancer rates: we've witnessed a positive impact on cancer rates in the region.
		Improved patient outcomes: fewer people are presenting with advanced-stage cancers.
		Empowered communities: communities actively engaged in cancer prevention & care.

Our West Berkshire project model developed from work that we piloted in Rushmoor. You may be interested to watch this 2017 video detailing where it all started… click to view our video on YouTube.

We're proud to partner with leading organisations, including: