‘It’s time everyone is represented in health research’
29-year-old Lloyd Nunag is no stranger to the world of health research.
Lloyd has spent the last seven years working in the field, including as a Senior Research Nurse at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
Today, he is an Oncology Study Delivery Consultant, which means he spends his time supporting complex clinical trials. His work helps to develop innovative medicines that save lives and enhance life quality for cancer patients.
But Lloyd also knows the value of research from a personal perspective. “I moved to the UK from the Philippines in 2017,” he says. “As someone from a community that’s under-represented in health research, I’m always encouraging others like me to participate in the clinical trials I work on.”
It’s why he decided to volunteer for Our Future Health. “I know that some people who share my background may be reluctant to take part in health research. But I believe that we can’t change the narrative unless we get involved in reliable research programmes like Our Future Health.
“Volunteering for this programme is a way of helping to correct the errors of the past.”
‘Not coming forwards means we’ll continue to be at a disadvantage’
Studies suggest that people from minority ethnic groups in the UK are 64% less likely than white British people to have participated in health research.
“When I speak to people from minority ethnic communities who are unsure about taking part in health research, I understand their concerns,” says Lloyd. “There’s a history of racism in clinical trials. People from communities like mine weren’t always treated equally in health research and it’s a big part of why many are reluctant to come forwards today.
“But research is different now. Programmes like Our Future Health make sure they represent all types of people in their research, so that new medical discoveries can work for everyone.
“Not coming forwards would mean we’ll continue to be at a disadvantage in healthcare. For example, when it comes to knowing early if we are at risk of certain diseases.”
Lloyd gives the example of cardiovascular disease – a condition Our Future Health aims to have a major positive impact on.
“It would be fantastic if we can learn more about why this affects so many people from backgrounds like mine,” he says. “The long-term nature of research programmes like Our Future Health means it will give a broader picture of the factors contributing to disease throughout people’s lives, meaning more chances to find answers.
“Is the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Southeast Asians down to our genetics? Is it linked to some of the foods we eat? I want to find out.
“By volunteering for Our Future Health, I hope to contribute to research that improves disease prevention and treatment for everyone – including people from my community.”
‘Your participation could make a real difference’
As a research professional, Lloyd says he’s excited to be on the other side of things for a change as an Our Future Health volunteer.
“Working in healthcare, I always encourage everyone to take part in health research, because each of us has the potential to set off a domino effect.
“If Our Future Health achieves its target of recruiting up to five million volunteers who are truly representative of the UK population, it will be a very powerful tool for medical research and help to ensure that diseases are equally treated – regardless of someone’s age, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status.
“I want people to know that their participation – no matter what their background is – could make a real difference to public health.
“The more diverse representation there is in the data that’s collected, the better the outcomes will be for us all. I’d encourage everyone to get involved – together we can create that change.”
About Volunteer Voices
Volunteer Voices tell the stories of people who take part in our research programme. Often, they have experienced the devastating effects of a disease.
Joining Our Future Health does not help our volunteers in their battle with disease. They take part because they want to help improve healthcare for others in the future.
Let’s prevent disease together
By volunteering for Our Future Health, you can help health researchers discover new ways to prevent, detect and treat common conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s.