Cancer Black Care

Cancer Black Care (CBC) is a UK-based nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds affected by cancer. Established in 1995, the charity focuses on addressing the disparities in cancer awareness, education, and care experienced by Black communities in the London area and beyond. The charity's registered number is 1086465.

History and Background

Cancer Black Care was founded by Isaac Dweben following the death of his elder brother from prostate cancer in 1992. Dweben recognized a critical gap in cancer awareness and access to culturally sensitive information and services within Afro-Caribbean and other Black communities. This motivated the establishment of CBC to provide tailored support and raise awareness about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment among Black and ethnic minority populations[3][5].

Mission and Objectives

CBC aims to improve cancer outcomes in Black and ethnic minority communities by:

• Providing emotional, practical, and cultural support to individuals living with cancer, their carers, and families.
• Offering advice, counselling, and help navigating social services.
• Delivering education and outreach programs to increase cancer awareness and promote prevention.
• Advocating for improved cancer services and addressing inequalities faced by Black and minority ethnic groups within the healthcare system[1][2].

Services and Activities

Cancer Black Care offers a range of services tailored to the needs of Black and People of Colour (POC) affected by cancer, including:

• Support groups for patients, survivors, and caregivers that meet regularly in person and cover topics such as nutrition, mindfulness, wellness, and complementary therapies.
• Monthly and biweekly meetings with access to specialist guest speakers, including dietitians, counsellors, specialist nurses, and doctors.
• Emotional and practical guidance designed to navigate the complexities of cancer treatment and care.
• Engagement with families and communities to create supportive networks around individuals affected by cancer[1][2][4].

Governance and Staffing

The charity is overseen by a board of trustees responsible for its management and administration. As of the latest available information, the trustees include Professor Frank Chinegwundoh (Chair), Dr. Isabella Victoria Llewellyn, and Seton Aubrey Rossano During. The organisation employs staff and relies on volunteers to deliver its services, though none of its employees receive total benefits exceeding £60,000[5].

Financials

For the financial year ending 31 March 2023, Cancer Black Care reported income including government grants amounting to £42,577. The charity allocates its funds towards delivering its support services, advocacy, and educational initiatives tailored to the needs of Black minority ethnic groups living with cancer[5].

Community Impact

Cancer Black Care plays a vital role in addressing health disparities by providing culturally competent care and advocacy for Black and ethnic minority communities disproportionately affected by cancer. It fosters community engagement and promotes holistic cancer support, enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families.

Cancer Black Care exemplifies a focused effort within the UK nonprofit sector to reduce cancer inequalities and support marginalized communities through culturally informed care and education.

[1] https://www.nationalvoices.org.uk/member/cancer-black-care/ [2] https://www.cancercaremap.org/cancer-black-care/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3976480 [4] https://tackleprostate.org/support-groups/cancer-black-care/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3976480/full-print