Understanding Blood Cancer Disparities

By Tchiyiwe Chihana
This episode first aired on SheffieldLive radio on 17th May at 7pm

Merrisa Brown, a PhD researcher at the University of Sheffield, joins us to shed light on an urgent issue: the disparities in blood cancer experiences among Black and South Asian communities. Merissa’s research delves into the reasons behind these inequalities and aims to make healthcare services more inclusive.

The discussion explores how Black and South Asian individuals are significantly more likely to experience higher incidences and worse prognoses of blood cancers—such as lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia than their white counterparts. Despite this, healthcare organizations and charities have yet to take substantial steps to reduce these inequalities.

Merissa is collaborating with Blood Cancer UK to understand these experiences better. Her work not only identifies the root causes but also explores actionable solutions to create a more equitable healthcare system.

Invitation to participate in the research: Merissa is looking for people to participate in her research from among those personally affected by blood cancer or those who have loved ones that have been affected.

To participate, contact her on mabrown3@sheffield.ac.uk