Blackburn with Darwen Cancer Champions

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The Blackburn with Darwen Cancer Champions project is a three-year initiative designed to transform how South Asian communities in the borough engage with cancer awareness, diagnosis, and care.

Project completed in partnership with:

The Blackburn with Darwen Cancer Champions project is a three-year initiative designed to transform how South Asian communities in the borough engage with cancer awareness, diagnosis, and care.

Delivered in close partnership with IMO and One Voice, two long-standing and respected community partners, this project draws on local insight, lived experience, and cultural understanding to address some of the most deeply rooted barriers to cancer awareness and early diagnosis. Together, we are working at the heart of communities to grow a network of trained volunteer Cancer Champions who reflect the diversity, languages, and cultural values of the people they support. These Champions are not just volunteers; they are trusted messengers, community leaders, and practical and emotional support sources.

Why this project matters

Throughout the UK, cancer screening uptake and early diagnosis rates remain lower in minority ethnic communities. Locally, data indicates that South Asian communities in Blackburn with Darwen are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis and face higher mortality rates. Our own community surveys have confirmed what national studies have shown: that stigma, fatalism, language barriers, and difficulties in accessing culturally appropriate services contribute to significant health inequalities. Through our Cancer Champions, we tackle these challenges head-on with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to long-term change.

What we’re doing

This project brings together dedicated staff and community partners to recruit, train, and support a diverse team of Cancer Champions, each embedded within their local community. With guidance from our Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinators, Champions are helping to:

Raise awareness about cancer risks, screening, and early signs
Break down stigma and challenge myths through open, culturally-sensitive conversations
Signpost individuals to local healthcare services
Offer emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer
Co-deliver awareness events, drop-ins, and outreach sessions tailored to community needs
Translate key information into community languages and deliver it in accessible, respectful ways

Our work is guided by intelligence from the ground up. We utilise feedback from Champions and residents to adapt our delivery, share insights with health systems, and advocate for service improvements that better address local needs.

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I became a Cancer Champion because I know how hard it can be to talk about cancer in our communities. Just giving people space to ask questions and share their worries makes a real difference.

Volunteer Champion

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My Journey with Bowel Cancer...

My name is Bash Ahmed, and I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2010 at the young age of 29. It came as a massive shock never did I think I would face something like this so early in life. After the initial shock, I pulled myself together with the incredible support of the hospital team and my loved ones, especially my father. The most frightening thought was that I might not survive, and I have never felt more scared. But I realised that to get through this, I needed to stay strong and surround myself with positive people. The journey was not easy. I had major surgery to remove most of my large bowel, followed by months of chemotherapy at home. Recovery was slow and exhausting, but my family was always by my side, and the doctors and nurses cared for me every step of the way. In October 2015, after five long years, I was told I was in remission. The relief was immense. Today, I am proud to be one of Spring North’s Cancer Champions. I use my experience to help others, especially within the South Asian community where talking about cancer can still carry stigma or fear. I want people to know they are not alone and that getting checked early can save lives. By sharing my story and raising awareness, I hope to give others the courage to seek help and support when they need it most.