Highlighting differences in cancer care across the UK
A report published by PIF member Bristol Myers Squibb in collaboration with Shine Cancer Support highlights differences in cancer care across the UK.
1,000 voices not 1 found inequalities in cancer are visible at all stages of the condition – before and after diagnosis. Key findings include:
- Time from symptom onset to diagnosis was seven months longer for people from minority ethnic groups
- Socioeconomic status impacted a person's understanding of cancer and likelihood of seeking diagnosis
- Knowledge of cancer is lower in people from minority ethnic groups
- The negative financial impact of cancer is felt most strongly by minority ethnic groups, people of lower socioeconomic status and under 55s
The report also highlights the experiences of different groups of people affected by inequalities in cancer including:
- People with a low awareness of cancer and their personal risk
- People from cultures where cancer is looked at as shameful
- People who are below the typical age considered to be at risk
- People from minority ethnic backgrounds
1,000 voices not 1 forms part of the Cancer Equals campaign which aims to understand and help address the many factors leading to delays to diagnosis and differences in experiences of cancer across the UK.
Read the full report via the Cancer Equals website here.
Study: Public discourse, reactions and conspiracy theories about HIV vaccines on X
A new study investigates the patterns of public discourse and message-level drivers of user reactions on X regarding HIV vaccines.
Researchers examined the different post types used to contribute and how this influenced likes and reposts.
The results highlighted COVID-19 as a significant context for public discourse and reactions regarding HIV vaccines from both positive and negative perspectives.
The success of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines shed a positive light on HIV vaccines.
However, COVID-19 also situated HIV vaccines in a negative context, with some anti–HIV vaccine conspiracy theories misleadingly connecting HIV vaccines with COVID-19.
Authors say the findings have implications for public health communication strategies.
Read the full study findings via the JMIR website here.
Creating a culture of innovation and cross-sector collaboration
PIF member the ABPI and the NHS Confederation have published a joint report exploring how to overcome barriers to cross-sector collaboration.
The report, which highlights learning from NHS, charity and industry experience, was based on a roundtable with NHS, industry and charity leaders.
It says the UK has become a less attractive destination for global clinical trials in recent years.
Although signs of recovery are emerging, opportunities are being missed to capitalise on the benefits of new diagnostics, technology, treatments and approaches for prevention.
The report highlights the opportunities of cross-sector collaboration, highlighting changes in culture around stroke research and engagement as a key example.
Download the full report from the NHS Confederation website here.
Person-first language guide
The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) has published a person-first language guide to address weight bias.
The guide aims to support the development of non-stigmatising research, project outputs and other communications.
It also promotes the use of non-stigmatising images.
Download the guide via the EASO website here.
Research project to raise awareness of the role of unpaid carers
A new pan-Scotland research project aims to raise awareness of the real-life challenges and uncertainties faced by unpaid carers.
Scotland Cares is a collaborative project across research institutions and the third sector.
Researchers hope it will give unpaid carers a voice and that their experiences can contribute to government policy.
Read more and find out how to get involved via the ALLIANCE website here.
Will generative AI improve access to reliable health information?
A JAMA Network article explores whether generative AI tools can help extend access to reliable health information and what benefits should be demonstrated before it is introduced in a clinical setting.
In the article, virologist Davey Smith discusses how people's information seeking has changed and argues measures of success for technology should be based on patient outcomes.
Read the full article via the JAMA Network website here.
Event: Wikipedia and evidence for health and care
The CILIP Health Libraries Group is hosting a free online event exploring how Wikipedia can be leveraged for health and care research dissemination.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is currently running a project exploring how Wikipedia, the most frequently consulted resource for medical information on the internet, is used for dissemination.
NIHR's Wikipedian in residence will talk about the project and discuss:
- How Wikipedia works and how accurate and reliable it is
- How librarians can use it to disseminate knowledge for a wider audience
- How librarians and educators can use it for teaching critical skills and evidence-based research for medical students
- How librarians can collaborate with the NIHR and the Wikipedian in residence
The webinar takes place from noon to 1pm on Tuesday, 21 May.