Tag Archives: Cancer Support

Breaking Barriers: Supporting People with Serious Mental Illness to Access Lung Cancer Screening

Post By Matthew McKenzie – National Cancer Carer forum

For people living with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis, cancer remains one of the leading causes of premature death. In South East London, lung cancer is particularly devastating, with mortality rates highest among this group.

But there’s good news: projects are now underway to change this. Click on poster for more details

Why this matters

Early detection can make all the difference in lung cancer outcomes. Yet too often, people with SMI face additional challenges in accessing screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways. These barriers can delay care, reduce treatment effectiveness, and ultimately cost lives.

That’s why the South East London Cancer Alliance has partnered with the Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) to hear directly from service users about their experiences. The aim is simple but powerful: understand what stands in the way and build solutions that ensure fair and timely cancer care for everyone.

How you can get involved

If you:

  • Are over 18,
  • Have a diagnosed serious mental illness,
  • Have a history of smoking,
  • Live in South East London (Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, or Southwark),

then your voice could make a real difference.

You may have been referred for lung cancer screening, diagnosed with lung cancer, or spoken to your GP about persistent symptoms like a cough or shortness of breath. Whatever your experience, sharing it can help shape future services.

What to expect

  • Focus groups (online or in-person in Woolwich) lasting about 90 minutes.
  • A safe, supportive space to share your experiences with up to five other participants.
  • Reimbursement for your time (£20–£30 depending on the session) plus refreshments at in-person events.
  • Confidentiality and anonymity are guaranteed.

When and where

Focus groups will run September – October 2025.

  • Online via Microsoft Teams.
  • In person at Woolwich Service Users Project, 107 Brookhill Road, SE18 6BJ.

Take part

👉 To sign up or learn more, visit wsupwoolwich.org/mind-and-body-study
📧 Email: getinvolved@wsupwoolwich.org
📞 Call: 020 8316 6558

Deadline to register: 10th October 2025 (but get in touch even if you miss it—support is flexible).

Together we can change the story

Every voice matters. By sharing your experiences, you can help break down barriers to early lung cancer diagnosis and ensure better care for people with serious mental illness.

Because when it comes to cancer care, no one should be left behind.

Would you like me to make this blog more community-facing (warm, story-driven, with lived-experience language) or more professional-facing (for healthcare partners and stakeholders)?

Your Voice Matters: Join the Ethnicity and Breast Cancer PPI Group

By Matthew McKenzie (facilitator of National cancer carer forum) – Caring Mind

As someone passionate about involvement and health inequalities, I’m always eager to spotlight opportunities where diverse voices can drive real change. One such opportunity is currently open through a vital new research initiative led by Oxford Population Health and Cancer Research UK.

Why This Study Matters

Breast cancer affects thousands of women every year, but not all communities are impacted equally. The risks, experiences, and outcomes can vary significantly based on ethnicity – yet we still don’t have enough evidence explaining why.

This is why Oxford researchers are launching a new study to explore how breast cancer affects women from different ethnic backgrounds, particularly African, Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani, and White British communities.

The aim is simple but essential: to improve breast cancer care for all women by understanding how ethnicity influences diagnosis, treatment, and risk.

How You Can Get Involved

The team is inviting women with personal experience of breast cancer or even those who have a strong interest in the topic to join their Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Group.

If selected, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Share your insights in online meetings that shape how the research is done.
  • Help communicate findings back to the community in a clear and accessible way.
  • Co-develop tools and resources that empower women from all backgrounds.

This is your chance to ensure the voices of underrepresented communities are heard in life-changing research.

Why Your Voice Is So Important

As someone who has spent years advocating for marginalised communities, I can’t stress this enough: Representation in research leads to better outcomes. If women from diverse ethnic backgrounds aren’t involved in shaping breast cancer studies, critical insights will be lost and the same inequalities will continue.

By joining the PPI group, you’re not just helping researchers you’re helping your community. Your lived experience, your culture, your understanding of the challenges women face all of that brings invaluable richness to the study.

Interested? Here’s How to Take Part

If you’re ready to help shape a more inclusive and impactful breast cancer study:

🔹 Visit: https://www.ceu.ox.ac.uk/research/ethnicity-and-breast-cancer
🔹 Email: ethnicityandbreastcancer@ndph.ox.ac.uk
🔹 Or scan the QR code in the flyer shown below to express interest.

Let’s help amplify unheard voices in cancer research. Representation starts with involvement. Let’s be part of the change.

Empowering Change: Uniting the unique Against Cancer on World Cancer Day

Another blog by Matthew McKenzie for World Cancer Day 2025. Join the movement on World Cancer Day to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those affected by cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against this disease that impacts millions worldwide.

To watch the 3 minute awarenes video. Click below.

Continue reading →