A new exhibition at Manchester Museum is showcasing how creative arts can be used to communicate research.
Co-created by academics within The Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health as part of the University of Manchester’s commitment to improving cancer outcomes globally, the exhibition comprises of a digital art installation in the form of a short film.
The multidisciplinary research team behind the project came together with funding from Greater Manchester Cancer, to explore the lower rates of breast cancer screening uptake among women from Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian heritage.
The Tree of Life
Using the ‘Tree of Life’ methodology, the researchers, in partnership with the Fatima Women’s Association, have been working with women from these communities to create safe spaces where they can share stories of their roots, life journeys, and health experiences, as well barriers they have experienced in relation to breast health.
The innovative approach to engaging the public with ongoing research, combined with the creation of the installation is helping to create new health messaging, shaped by women within these communities, for their communities, to encourage and empower their peers to take greater ownership of their breast health.
Dr Julian Cole is Executive Director of Medical Affairs for Gilead Sciences:
Gilead are delighted to sponsor this exhibition, which perfectly highlights the importance of community engagement to advance health equity. The exhibition spotlights cancer care inequalities in South Asian communities, particularly the lower rates of breast cancer screening uptake among women of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian heritage, when compared to the rest of the population eligible for screening. It is wonderful to see the creative arts sparking meaningful dialogue on this subject and underlining the importance of ensuring that research is conducted with communities.
Prevent Breast Cancer were thrilled to welcome a number of guests recently to the exhibition, to connect with others who are passionate about health and empowerment.
We heard from the dedicated researchers and community partners behind the project, sharing valuable insights and stories. Through a blend of creativity, collaboration, and community engagement, the event fostered meaningful conversations about breast health and well-being, highlighting the extreme importance of knowledge and support in driving forward a positive change.
As a charity, we are honoured to support The Tree of Life exhibition and remain committed to addressing health inequalities, as we believe that a woman’s chance of breast cancer survival should not be poorer due to her ethnicity.
Where can I see The Tree of Life exhibtion?
The exhibition is available to the public to visit at The South Asia Gallery, Manchester Museum, from now until 1st May 2025.
Meet the team behind the project.
Hear from Dr Binish Khatoon, research team member and data scientist, about her experience developing and delivering the Tree of Life project.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
