At the World Cancer Congress 2024, Paul Adepoju sat down with Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, for a candid conversation on the growing inequities in cancer care across the UK. The podcast episode, which marks the launch of the second season of Paul Talks Science, provides a deep dive into how Macmillan is addressing these challenges head-on.
Bridging the Equity Gap
Macmillan Cancer Support has been a cornerstone of cancer care in the UK for over 110 years, but Gemma Peters highlighted that significant gaps in care persist. These gaps disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including those in rural areas, ethnic minorities, and low-income populations.
“We need to design healthcare innovations for the people least likely to benefit first,” Peters emphasized during the interview. She detailed how Macmillan’s Impact Innovation Fund is fostering equitable access by supporting health startups that prioritize inclusion and social impact over financial returns.
Reaching Underserved Communities
One powerful example Peters shared was Macmillan’s partnership with the Fisherman’s Mission to improve cancer outcomes in coastal communities, where residents face unique barriers to care. By bringing healthcare professionals to the docks and working around the schedules of fishing crews, Macmillan is helping to build trust and provide life-saving screenings and education.
Lessons from COVID-19
Reflecting on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Peters pointed out how the healthcare system’s rapid pivot to address the virus inadvertently widened existing disparities in cancer care. She stressed the need for healthcare leaders to apply the same urgency and focus to cancer care, while ensuring that innovations reach those who need them most.
A Vision for the Future
Peters expressed optimism about the future, citing a growing awareness of the need for equity and a renewed focus on implementation. “If we can integrate lived experiences of marginalized communities into the development of healthcare solutions, we can truly make cancer care more inclusive and impactful,” she said.
Season Two of Paul Talks Science
The episode, titled “Bridging Gaps: Macmillan’s Path to Equitable Cancer Support,” sets the tone for an exciting second season of Paul Talks Science. The podcast promises to tackle some of the most pressing global health challenges by featuring leaders and changemakers from across the scientific and healthcare spectrum.