Cancer does not impact all communities equally. Across Thames Valley, some groups experience barriers to screening, later cancer diagnoses and limited access to vital support. These inequalities contribute to worse outcomes and greater strain on families and communities.
Cancer Allies is a partnership programme working with local groups, charities and community leaders to improve awareness, access and early diagnosis. By connecting with the people and places that residents trust, we can make cancer care more equitable for everyone.
Why cancer inequalities matter
Cancer outcomes are not equal across our region. Some communities face barriers such as low awareness, fear, stigma, language challenges, mistrust, or difficulties accessing care. By working with the people who understand those barriers best, we can:
- Encourage people to attend screening
- Support earlier diagnosis
- Improve experiences of care
- Ensure everyone has a fair chance of the best possible outcome
This partnership approach recognises that local voices are essential for lasting change.
What we provide
We collaborate closely with community groups to help them create and deliver meaningful local projects. Support may include:
- Funding for community-led awareness and engagement activities
- Training, learning sessions, and tailored resources
- Guidance on planning and delivering outreach
- Access to data and insight to target local need
- Ongoing partnership and connection with health services and charities
We aim to make it simple for groups to champion cancer awareness within their communities and turn local ideas into real impact.
Who can become a Cancer Ally?
Any group or individual who cares about reducing health inequalities can take part. This includes voluntary and community organisations, faith and cultural groups, social enterprises, youth and family projects, support networks, and active local residents passionate about improving health for those around them.
If you know your community and want to help others feel informed, confident, and empowered to seek care, you can be a Cancer Ally.
Ways Cancer Allies make a difference
Every Cancer Ally contributes in a way that feels natural to their community. Some examples include:
- Hosting informal conversations about screening and cancer symptoms
Sharing information and resources at community gatherings
Supporting people to book or attend appointments
Providing trusted insight to help shape local services
No activity is too small if it helps someone feel seen, understood, and supported.
Our approach
Cancer Allies focuses on practical, community-led solutions that make cancer care easier to access and understand. We work collaboratively to:
- Build awareness of cancer symptoms and screening
- Support culturally appropriate conversations about health
- Break down language, cultural and practical barriers to care
- Deliver outreach in trusted community spaces
- Strengthen connections between communities and NHS services
- Ensure diverse voices help shape regional cancer programmes
This approach complements the national Core20PLUS5 framework, adapted to reflect the needs of Thames Valley communities
We work alongside organisations of all sizes, from well-established charities to small local groups embedded in their communities.
Get involved
If you’re interested in becoming a Cancer Ally or would like more information, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can help make sure that everyone has access to the knowledge, confidence, and care they deserve.
See more information below or contact: olukayode.fadina1@nhs.net or abimbola.odubayo@nhs.net
