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.