The INSPIRE project seeks to explore the experiences of people of colour undergoing radiotherapy and has now received a further 12 months of funding.
Lead by Naman Julka-Anderson, Therapeutic Radiographer and host of radiotherapy podcast Rad Chat, the Inclusive Skin Reaction Assessment for People of Colour Undergoing Radiotherapy: Empowering Evaluation (INSPIRE) project seeks to develop and validate a new skin assessment tool that works for people of colour.
The project has been ongoing for two years, and has already highlighted the lack of understanding around the different effects of radiation on people of colour and how they present across all skin tones.
'Raising awareness of lack of diversity'
Mr Julka-Anderson said: “Medical education and research has continued to show white skin as the 'norm’. The INSPIRE project is the culmination of two years of hard work raising awareness of the lack of diversity within skin assessments for people living with and beyond cancer.”
The project aims to understand the experiences of people of colour undergoing breast tissue and chest wall radiotherapy, with a view to developing and validating a new skin assessment tool.
Mr Julka-Anderson added: “I am very proud and honoured to have the trust and belief of RM Partners cancer alliance to take on this work in 2026.”
'Equitable care for people of colour'
RM Partners is one of 21 cancer alliances in the UK, and is providing the funding for the project. Co-investigators and collaborators will include OUTpatients, Black Women Rising UK, South Asian Supernovas and Sakoon Through Cancer.
He concluded: “I want this to be co-developed by people who have experience of inequities they have faced within the oncology pathway. I really hope this work can be the start of rebalancing skin assessments within oncology, providing equitable care for people of colour and changing the perception that white skin is the 'norm.'”
Mr Julka-Anderson, the primary author, is also host of radiotherapy podcast Rad Chat, which was featured in the April edition of Synergy.
(Image: Naman Julka-Anderson)