North East London Cancer Alliance attends exclusive screening of Radio Silence

On 8 July 2026, the North East London Cancer Alliance (NELCA) was invited to an exclusive screening of Radio Silence, a powerful documentary produced by Touchy-Feely as part of Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month.

The documentary follows the experiences of two Black women navigating breast cancer care in the UK while facing significant language barriers. Through their stories of diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, Radio Silence offers a moving insight into the additional challenges many patients encounter when English is not their first language.

The film explores the intersection of language, culture and healthcare, highlighting the barriers many people face when accessing information, making informed decisions and receiving equitable care. It is a powerful reflection on resilience and a call for a more inclusive healthcare system.

Following the screening, attendees took part in a thought-provoking panel  Macmillan Cancer Support.

The evening provided an important opportunity to hear first-hand experiences from women whose voices are too often underrepresented in healthcare. Beyond the language barriers explored in the documentary, the discussions highlighted the misconceptions, biases and discrimination that many people of colour continue to experience when accessing healthcare.

One of the most thought-provoking themes was the long-standing medical norm of using white skin as the default when describing signs and symptoms, despite many conditions presenting differently on darker skin tones. It served as a powerful reminder that representation in healthcare is not simply about inclusion—it can influence how quickly symptoms are recognised, how patients are listened to, and ultimately the care they receive.

As an organisation committed to reducing inequalities in cancer care, NELCA recognises the importance of listening to lived experiences and working collaboratively with communities and partners to improve access, awareness and outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.

We would like to thank Touchy-Feely for creating such an honest, thought-provoking and important documentary that encourages meaningful conversations and challenges us all to consider how we can contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.