North West Cancer Research CEO, Alastair Richards, attended The Big Cancer52 Conversation in Manchester in March. The event brought together experts from the charity and healthcare sectors to share best practices, exchange ideas and explore collaborations to tackle health inequalities in our region and beyond.
55% of UK cancer deaths are from rare and less common cancers, but these cancers remain under represented and under funded across areas including policy, services and research. Cancer52 is an alliance of over 100 cancer charities working to address this inequality and improve outcomes for patients.
During the event Alastair took part in a panel discussion alongside Tamara Kahn from Oracle Head and Neck Cancer, and Dr Oladejo Olaleye from Leicester NHS Trust, with the conversation focussing on collaborative efforts across all sectors to reduce inequalities.
Alastair said: “It’s really important for us as a Charity to make sure we are attending events like The Big Cancer52 Conversation and hearing from professionals across all sectors. Whether they’re policy makers, research funders or healthcare providers, it’s collaboration across the board that will ensure we continue to address health inequalities in our region and beyond.
“At North West Cancer Research so much of our work is focussed on those inequalities we see happening in our communities across the North West and North Wales, so it was great to get in a room with likeminded people and get valuable input from across all professions who share the common goal of a healthier future for all.”
The day concluded with reflections on key takeaways and next steps to turn discussions into actionable strategies for addressing health inequalities among rare and less common cancers.
