Nearly half of cancer patients from ethnic minorities don't have complete confidence in nurses

Nearly half of cancer patients from ethnic minorities don’t have complete confidence in nurses

Nearly half (45%) of ethnic minority cancer patients do not have trust and confidence in all of the ward nurses treating them whilst in hospital, according to new analysis by Macmillan Cancer Support for Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Week (2 – 8 July 2012). 

This compares to only a third (33%) of white cancer patients who were asked the same question.

Jagtar Dhanda, Head of Inclusion at Macmillan Cancer Support, says,

“It is highly concerning that nearly half of cancer patients from different ethnic backgrounds don’t have trust in all their ward nurses, especially while they are in hospital. Cancer can be a very isolating condition and it is crucial that people feel supported from those around them, including the health professionals who are treating them.

“Macmillan Cancer Support is there for anyone who has questions or concerns at any point during their cancer experience.”

Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Week is taking place between 2-8 July 2012. The week aims to raise awareness of taking action to reduce the risk of cancer, particularly among black and minority ethnic groups. If you have any concerns or questions visit www.macmillan.org.uk| or call 0808 808 00 00.

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For further information, please contact:

Sarah Whiteley, Media & PR Officer of Macmillan Cancer Support

020 7840 4933 (out of hours 07801 307 068)

Notes to editors:

Source: Macmillan Cancer Support analysis of Department of Health, National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, 2010 [computer file]. Colchester, Essex: UK Data Archive [distributor], April 2011. SN: 6742. Crown Copyright. Department of Health and the UK Data Archive bear no responsibility for this further analysis of the data.

Analysis of ‘Q40 Did you have confidence and trust in the ward nurses treating you?’ – 45% of ethnic minority cancer patients said they had confidence and trust in ‘some’ or ‘none’ of the ward nurses treating them, compared to 33% of white cancer patients.

Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Week is taking place between 2 – 8 July 2012 and is supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Equality, National Cancer Action team, The Afiya Trust and Healthtalkonline

About Macmillan Cancer Support:

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care. More than one in three of us get cancer. Two million of us are living with it. If you are affected by cancer Macmillan can help.