The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme commissioned a co-designed study led by UCD in partnership with Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre on Cancer Awareness and Attitudes among the Traveller Community in Ireland.

The aim of this research is to:

• understand Travellers’ awareness of cancer risk factors and signs and symptoms
• identify barriers and enablers to cancer risk reduction and early diagnosis of cancer, including access to health services and engagement with cancer prevention/risk-reducing behaviours
• assess the impact of the social determinants of health (SDOH) on health-related behaviours.

The research also looked at healthcare professionals’ views regarding the barriers and enablers for Travellers concerning healthy lifestyle behaviours, cancer screening participation, and timely reporting of cancer symptoms. The research would not have been possible without the Traveller Community Health Workers across Ireland who coordinated and collected the data from 483 surveys and assisted in recruitment for the qualitative interviews with Travellers and health professionals.

The majority of respondents agreed that there are actions they can take to reduce their cancer risk. Smoking is well recognised as a risk factor for cancer, 88% of respondents spontaneously citing it as a risk factor. There was strong recognition of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and sunbeds as a risk factor, with 92% identifying sunbed use and 78% citing sunburn as a risk factor.

Key findings – Quantitative survey of Travellers

3.5.1 Smoking tobacco p.25

3.5.2 Alcohol p.28