Cancer affects one in two people in the UK during their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with around 59,400 new cases diagnosed each year—the equivalent of 160 women every day. Cervical cancer affects around 3,300 women annually, with women aged 35 to 39 most likely to be diagnosed.
Yet the burden is not felt equally. Research shows Black and South Asian women are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at a later stage, while 23% of women from ethnic minority backgrounds are unable to identify the warning signs of cancer, compared with 12% of White women. For many South Asian women, emotional distress, family expectations, language barriers and long-held cultural beliefs can make conversations about breast or gynaecological cancers particularly difficult.
"When I was first told I had cancer, I went into total shock."
For Usha (Kitu) Patel, a breast cancer survivor, speaking to Asian Voice, she says a routine NHS mammogram in January 2023 changed her life instantly. What followed was months of treatment, but the emotional impact stayed with her the most.
The first thing you think is that you're going to die," she recalls.
Throughout treatment, Patel found strength in the support of her family and the Asian Women Cancer Group, whose members understood her experience in ways few others could. Today, she is using her own journey to encourage more South Asian families to speak openly about cancer.
She remembers one encounter that reinforced why those conversations matter.
"A man approached me asking for our contact details because his daughter wouldn't speak to her own family about her cancer. He hoped she might feel comfortable talking to women who had been through the same experience. Moments like that remind me why creating safe spaces where people can talk openly about cancer is so important."
"We wanted to create a place where no woman would have to face cancer alone."
Stories like Usha's are exactly why Rohini Patel and two fellow breast cancer survivors founded the Asian Women Cancer Group in 2003. Having experienced cancer themselves, they recognised that many South Asian women were facing additional challenges beyond their diagnosis.
"It wasn't just about having cancer," Patel tells Asian Voice. "We saw women struggling because of language barriers, cultural beliefs and a lack of information and guidance."
Today, the charity supports more than 170 women through peer support, wellbeing activities, educational workshops and practical guidance for patients and their families.
Patel says many first-generation South Asian women continue to face language barriers, limited health literacy and cultural stigma, while even younger generations can find discussing breast or gynaecological cancers uncomfortable because of longstanding cultural sensitivities.
"Looking after your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical treatment. Talking to others who have been through similar experiences can make a real difference."
"Don't let fear delay seeking help."
While community support is vital, early diagnosis remains equally important.
For Dr Mohammad Raza Khan, Consultant Medical Oncologist specialising in breast cancer at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of the biggest barriers is that many people still fail to recognise the early signs of cancer or seek medical advice promptly.
"Symptoms are often mistaken for minor illnesses or accepted as part of ageing, while lower participation in screening programmes means cancers are sometimes diagnosed at a later stage," he shared with Asian Voice.
He believes cultural stigma continues to influence how many South Asian families respond to cancer.
"In some families, cancer remains a taboo subject. Fear of the diagnosis, concern about the impact on loved ones and the belief that cancer is inevitably incurable can discourage people from seeking help until symptoms become more advanced."
Dr Khan says treatment should focus on emotional wellbeing as well as physical health, with every patient's psychological needs considered throughout their cancer journey. He also warns against misinformation, including misconceptions that chemotherapy is "poison" or that herbal remedies alone can cure cancer.
He says misinformation shared within families, communities and on social media can discourage patients from accepting recommended treatment or attending screening appointments. Open conversations with healthcare professionals, he believes, are essential to dispelling myths and helping patients make informed decisions.
"Faith and spirituality can provide important emotional support, but they should complement, not replace, evidence-based medical treatment," he says.
Improving awareness through trusted community organisations, culturally sensitive communication and accessible health information, he believes, will encourage earlier diagnosis and improve outcomes.
Together, the experiences of Usha (Kitu) Patel, Rohini Patel and Dr Mohammad Raza Khan highlight a common message: breaking the silence around cancer is just as important as treating it. Through greater awareness, earlier conversations and stronger community support, more South Asian women can be empowered to seek help without fear or stigma.
