Episode 46: Listening to our communities

North East London Cancer Alliance has been working closely with local communities to develop a cancer inequalities strategy that aims to close the gap in cancer outcomes across the region.

In this episode, host Steve Bland is joined by Caroline Cook, Early Diagnosis Programme Lead at North East London Cancer Alliance, and Tiago Moutela, Associate Director at Claremont. Together, they explore the extensive engagement work that brought together voices from a wide range of diverse communities across north east London.

The conversation highlights why meaningful community input is essential, how different groups shared their experiences of cancer care, and how these insights will be used to shape a strategy designed to improve access, experience and outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.

Listeners will hear how the Cancer Alliance, working in partnership with Claremont, undertook extensive engagement with a diverse range of communities, including groups who are often underrepresented in healthcare decision-making. The discussion explores the methods used to reach these communities, the insights they shared, and how their lived experiences will influence strategic priorities.

The episode demonstrates how co-production and listening to local voices can lead to more inclusive, equitable cancer care and better outcomes across north east London.

Population of north east London facts and stats

• North East London has a diverse and growing population, with over 2 million residents

• It has rapid growth, with Tower Hamlets seeing a 22.1% increase between 2011 and 2021, making it England's fastest-growing area

• Across north east London, the population is expected to grow by between 200,000 and 300,000 additional residents by 2035/36. This is the equivalent of a whole borough such as Hackney, which had a population of around 259,000 in the last Census

• Youngest median age in England (30 in Tower Hamlets)

• Over half of the population is from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds

• A quarter of the population speak a language other than English at home.

• A quarter of the population live in areas ranked in the most deprived 20% in England.

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