Today, Ansar Projects part of the Thera Group of companies, has joined forces with CoppaFeel!, UK based breast cancer awareness charity and Orchid , the male cancer awareness and support charity, to create accessible breast and testicular cancer resources for people with a learning disability.
According to the London King’s College LeDeR 2021 report, 49% of all deaths in people with a learning disability were deemed to be avoidable, with 8% of these deaths caused by cancer.
Ansar Projects, CoppaFeel! and Orchid have partnered to use their collective experience to plug an information gap that can help people to know their bodies and seek medical advice when they notice changes at an earlier stage.
The resources are the first of their kind and include accessible breast and testicular cancer information packs, self-checking cards, breast and testicular cancer symptom guides, self-checking social stories and information on what to expect if you notice a change.
The ‘Know Your Body’ resources have elements that are interactive as well as clear images to assist people in checking themselves and knowing their body.
All of the resources are designed with support from disability, diversity and accessibility specialists to ensure all people are able to learn how to effectively check their bodies and get to know their normal.
Christine Harvey, Lead Director for Ansar Projects, said:
“We are very proud to have developed these tools in collaboration with CoppaFeel! And Orchid, which we hope will be of benefit to people with a learning disability, their families and support staff. By supporting people with a learning disability to know their own bodies better, the resources will help early detection of any change.”