Shaping research into ethnicity and breast cancer

Project title: Ethnicity and Breast Cancer

What’s the project about?

Researchers at the University of Oxford are working to understand how the prevalence of breast cancer and its risks factors change in women from different ethnic backgrounds.

The study aims to demonstrate why women from minoritised groups

1. Are less likely to get breast cancer
2. Tend to have more advanced breast cancer when they are diagnosed
3. Tend to have more aggressive types of disease compared to white women

To help design this study, the researches are putting together a diverse PPI group to try and understand potential barriers for women for breast screening/treatment and being involved in research studies.

Who can take part?

You can join the group if you’ve had a personal diagnosis of breast cancer, or are related to or care for someone with a diagnosis and are from one of the following backgrounds:

• White
• African
• Caribbean
• Indian
• Pakistani

You don’t need any previous experience in research or PPI groups – you just need to be interested in getting involved in research.

Why do you want me to be involved?

The study is looking at breast cancer specifically within these ethnic groups and so the researchers need the views of people from these groups to ensure that the research is looking at issues important to these communities.

The researchers also want to understand potential barriers for people to be involved in research so that they can ensure everyone is given the opportunity to be involved.

The results could inform current breast cancer policies, and reveal where more research might be needed.

What will you ask me to do?

As a member of the group, you’ll be asked to attend in-person or online meetings and take part in discussions to:

• Help the researchers identify concerns or barriers within specific communities for women with breast cancer
• Help them to design ways of sharing information about the study to communities
• Co-design or give feedback on documents and resources to ensure information is clear and accessible, such as posters, information leaflets and videos

The researchers will cover reasonable expenses that you may have because of your involvement, such as travel, accommodation, food and drink, conference fees and childcare costs.

In certain circumstances they’ll also offer involvement payments for taking part in involvement activities.

You’ll be given training and ongoing support throughout the project.

How do I get involved?

You can find out more about the study on the website.