Tackling the taboo and shining a light on cancer…

How a Southampton radio station has been shining a light on cancer.

Awaaz FM is a vibrant community radio station serving Southampton and Hampshire. While the mix of presenters and programmes appeal to lots of different audiences, it specifically provides information, music and a voice for the South Asian community. This includes people from India, Pakistan and Afghanistan communities. During the last two years, Awaaz FM has been actively involved in Action Hampshire’s Communities Against Cancer project. This project is about raising awareness of cancer in communities, especially for those experiencing health inequalities. Awaaz FM received a Communities Against Cancer grant to raise awareness of cancer for their listeners and start conversations exploring fears around cancer. Awaaz FM has used its place in the local community to create interesting radio programmes highlighting the need for us to talk about cancer.

Why this project is needed.

Encouraging conversations, questions and dispelling myths have been central to the project. Cancer can sometimes be a taboo subject within the South Asian community. Some people may not like to even say the word ‘cancer’ and may feel there is a stigma attached. Some fear how they may be viewed or treated by others if they receive a cancer diagnosis. Awaaz FM has been helping to get people talking about cancer

“Over the past 6 weeks, we have thoroughly enjoyed spreading awareness of Cancer on our Radio station. We have faced many challenges whilst conducting this project, for example in BAME communities, there is a strong ‘Taboo’ around cancer and many believe it should not be spoken about. We think that is why it was so important to spread awareness on our platform to these BAME communities and encourage them to talk about Cancer.”
Ali, Station Manager

The team involved in the project at Awaaz FM – Samra, George & Ali.

Ali, Samra and George – the team at Awaaz FM have done an amazing job at creating a variety of radio programmes, discussing a spectrum of topics relating to cancer. This has included guests from Wessex Cancer Trust where men with lived experience have spoken about their cancer journeys. Staff from the charity – Maggies have described the help and support available to local people living with cancer.

There have also been clinicians and NHS staff answering questions and describing what may happen following a diagnosis. The University of Southampton has provided information on research, genetics and how people can participate. Ways that people can get involved in helping shape local cancer services have been provided by Wessex Voices. So there has been an extensive variety of guests and organisations represented on the shows. This has raised awareness of cancer within the community and created many interesting and thought-provoking conversations for listeners.

“We have achieved a lot throughout the project, talking to many professionals as well as people with lived experience. We have covered a vast number of topics, often in lots of detail with different viewpoints. We managed to get great conversations going between professionals and patients which we hope in turn will encourage more people to talk about cancer to help spread awareness. Our greatest success was to see patients feeling more comfortable talking to the specialists and in reverse role, the specialists being able to communicate with their patients better”.
Ali, station Manager

Taking the right first step as a team to overcoming the taboo subject.

It’s been a challenging subject for the team which they have all fully embraced. Even talking about cancer can be difficult for some in the community and so often stories go untold. Or sadly, people do not seek help until it’s too late. The programmes have attempted to normalize talking about cancer and have raised awareness of the importance of early diagnosis, cancer screening and getting the right support.

“It was a jam-packed 6 weeks, we as a team enjoyed being a part of it, and would love to get involved again in the future”
Ali, station Manager

We would like to thank the team at Awaaz FM for their hard work and commitment to making engaging radio programmes about cancer for the local community.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about Action Hampshire’s Communities Against Cancer project or would like to apply for a grant to create your cancer awareness project, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Claire Vincent or visit our webpage Communities Against Cancer