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Black women in Sandwell encouraged to sign up for swimming and dance sessions and get checked out for cancer

Black women in Sandwell are being encouraged to get checked for breast cancer and to take up swimming as part of a new initiative.

By Paul Jenkins
Published

More than 70 women have been referred to the Health Equity Alliance Black Breasts Matter campaign which runs in conjunction with the Black Country Integrated Care Board, and encourages them to get screened for breast cancer.

Research has shown women from Black African and Caribbean communities are known to develop breast cancer at a much younger age compared to white women.

Members of the Health Equity Alliance #BBM, who are on a mission to get more black women to take up swimming and also have regular breast screening. The initiative is taking place at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
Members of the Health Equity Alliance, who are on a mission to get more black women to take up swimming and also have regular breast screening

Women are being invited to join others at Sandwell Aquatics Centre for a new swimming and health awareness group - many of them have come to the sessions suffering from breast cancer, diabetes or poor mental health.

Members of the Health Equity Alliance #BBM, who are on a mission to get more black women to take up swimming and also have regular breast screening. The initiative is taking place at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
Members of the Health Equity Alliance, who are on a mission to get more black women to take up swimming and also have regular breast screening

With figures from Sport England showing 95 per cent of black adults aren't able to swim,  it is felt they will benefit from the sessions, which will get them moving and see them take part in 'reggae aqua' sessions.

Members of the Health Equity Alliance #BBM, who are on a mission to get more black women to take up swimming and also have regular breast screening. The initiative is taking place at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.
Members of the Health Equity Alliance, who are on a mission to get more black women to take up swimming and also have regular breast screening

Trained NHS cancer champion Jessie Allan said the pilot scheme combines swimming and dancing in a fun way to get people moving.

She said: "We are going to be moving, having fun, talking about how to stay happy and healthy and encouraging them to attend breast cancer screening sessions. The first sessions have been really productive and everyone has enjoyed them.

"We have had great success in the programme with 75 referrals so far and the programme, which is in its early stages, has been well received so I would encourage eligible people to get in touch with us."