Creating accessible cancer care for Deaf people

In this powerful episode, we are joined by Claire Adshead, Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project Manager, and Gillian Briden, who shares her deeply personal - and at times challenging - experiences of accessing cancer care as a deaf person. Gillian’s experience offers vital insight for health and care professionals and highlights the urgent need for accessible communication and culturally aware support.

Claire shares how the Deaf Cancer Support project is working to improve access, communication and tailored care for Deaf individuals. Together, we explore the systemic challenges faced by Deaf people, from the availability of qualified British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters to the importance of health care services designed with Deaf people in mind. This episode is available in both spoken English and British Sign Language (BSL).

Note: Claire and Gillian communicate in British Sign Language (BSL). Their responses are voiced by a professional BSL interpreter. All dialogue attributed to the guests represents the interpreter’s spoken interpretation of their signed responses.

Content warning: This episode contains conversations about lived experience of cancer which you may find upsetting or triggering. Listener discretion is advised.

Links from the episode:
Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project
Macmillan's British Sign Language Services

This episode aligns with Macmillan's strategic objectives to reach everyone, especially those who need us most, to make cancer care fair for everyone and offer more personal support to people affected by cancer and other health conditions.

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If you work in health or social care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/learning or Macmillan’s Learning Hub for more information about free education and training from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Disclaimer: The content and information in these episodes is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All examples discussed in episodes are UK based and reflect UK health systems at the time of recording. No material within this series is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified and registered healthcare providers.