A TAMESIDE woman features in a new suite of films designed to boost early detection of cancer.
The films, believed to be the first of their kind in the country, have been made by autistic women and women with a learning disability for their peers.
With a breadth of real-life experiences shaping every stage of development, the films support them to access potentially life-saving cervical cancer screening.
As well as experiencing poorer health and shorter life expectancy, this group also faces barriers to cancer screening programmes – with only 31.2 per cent of women with a learning disability taking up screening.
A range of partners came together to develop the bitesize films after receiving just over £143,000 from the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance.
Four women who are autistic and/or have a learning disability wrote the scripts – which were checked by academics and professionals and tested with people with lived experience – and starred in the films.
Produced by film company Lizardfish, the videos – which can be watched on YouTube here – aim to support choice and decision-making about immunisation and screening and to prepare people mentally and practically.
They cover a variety of topics, including the importance of early detection, what screening entails, practical tips to make the process easier and what to expect after the test.
‘Projects like this are really important’
Leeanne McKew, from Tameside, is a member of local charity People First Tameside and one of the women who developed and starred in the films.
“I think the films will be really helpful for women who are unsure about screening,” said the 32-year-old. “Having information helps reduce anxiety.
“I enjoyed everything about the project, including coming up with ideas and hearing other ideas, and the filming was fun. It was good we could film in a real clinic, as people can see what it’s really like.
“My advice to others is to get it done, it’s worth it. And if you’re worried, talk to a friend or family and see if they can come with you.
“If we can get it right for autistic people and those with a learning disability, we can get it right for everyone. If people want to change the story, they need to listen to us, so projects like this are really important.”
The director of early diagnosis at the Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance said evidence shows films are an effective way to communicate health information to people with a learning disability.
Ali Jones added: “Uptake of cervical screening is 30 per cent for people with a learning disability, versus 70 per cent for people without.
“We were delighted to fund this important piece of work via our early diagnosis innovation fund, supporting local projects with a focus on early cancer diagnosis.”
The films are being shared with organisations and professionals who support autistic people or those with a learning disability, as well as being embedded into the GP annual health check toolkit and forming part of a new reasonably adjusted cervical screening pathway.