South Asian Supernovas, a new organisation passionate about improving outcomes of breast cancer in the South Asian community, has created an awareness campaign to increase awareness of self-checking, routine screening and signs and symptoms of breast cancer within the South Asian community. South Asians are the largest ethnic minority in the UK and have the lowest awareness of breast cancer signs and symptoms and have the lowest rate of self-checking and attending routine screening appointments, such as mammograms. Research from Estee Lauder Companies shows that over 40% of South Asian women do not check their breasts regularly.
Toral Shah and Kreena Dhiman, co-founders of South Asian Supernovas were both diagnosed with breast cancer at a much younger age, 29 and 33 respectively, and know first-hand how important it is to know your normal and to self-check. Both found their breast cancer by being aware of their breasts, self-checking and recognising that their symptoms weren’t normal. Whilst Kreena had an inverted nipple and Toral had a distinct lump, both underwent mastectomies with reconstruction and have lasting impacts from having a cancer diagnosis at a younger age.
They spoke to Asian Voice about it:
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What is the first sign of breast cancer that people miss?
Most people think they are self-checking to look for cancer, but in reality, we need to self-check to know our normal so that we notice any unusual changes and ask for help as soon as possible from a medical professional. Whilst people think that a lump is the only sign of breast cancer, we should be looking for lumps along with
- • A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
- • A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
- • A nipple change, for example, it has become pulled in (inverted)
- • Rash or crusting around the nipple
- • Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
- • Changes in the size or shape of the breast
What was yours and how did you deal with it?
Kreena: I noticed that my nipple was inverted but had no idea that this was a sign of breast cancer. There was a lump which I couldn’t initially feel. I ignored her symptoms for a few weeks, and eventually visited her GP after my husband pushed me to. My concerns were dismissed several times as I was believed to be at low risk of breast cancer due to my age and not being a smoker, drinker or overweight.
Toral - I noticed my large square lump when self-checking which I did regularly, as my mother and maternal aunt had breast cancer along with many of her mother’s cousins. Like Kreena, I was dismissed by her GP for an urgent cancer referral due to my age despite there being a strong family history. My mother worked in the NHS and managed to expedite her referral through her hospital connections.
How can we educate South Asian families to help someone diagnosed with this condition?
Kreena and Toral: Firstly, our community is diagnosed later due to a lack of awareness, self-checking and attendance to routine screening so we are trying to ensure that anyone who finds the campaign, understands how important early diagnosis is. Early diagnosis means that you are more likely to have curative treatment and a better outcome. We know how lonely and isolating it can be to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Our community tends to react in 2 different ways; some people are treated as outcasts for having received a cancer diagnosis, and others feel smothered and burdened by myths and home remedies. In isolation, neither of these are helpful but there are ways in which we can support someone diagnosed with breast cancer effectively. We know that we have a loving and caring community that wants to help, but we need to ensure that patients receive support in the way they need rather than what others think they need. The easiest way to support someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer is to ask them what they need and not make assumptions. It doesn’t have to be anything huge but simple things like offering to cook and help with chores, or keeping them company at appointments. They don’t need toxic positivity.
What does conquering a disease like this teach you about life?
Kreena : It stopped me from living a life I had been conditioned to believe was successful and to lean into a life that fulfils me beyond the amount of money I have in the bank. Breast cancer taught me to accept my adversity, surrender to the greater picture and find the fortitude to chase my dreams. It gave me the strength to shatter the glass ceilings that so often crush our community. It was breaking those ceilings that brought me my four miracle babies and gave me the courage to find Motherhood through surrogacy and egg donation.
Toral: Life can be short so you need to go out and live life to the utmost. You also realise that you are resilient and tenacious and can overcome all sorts of barriers, and achieve anything you put your mind to. It’s also made me realise that not everyone in our community will understand or be able to provide empathy so you need to ensure you have a few trusted people to support you and give you the love, support and empathy that you need.
