We need to open up the conversation about breast cancer in the South Asian community

Tell us about yourself

I live in Berkshire with my 3 children, 2 boys and a girl. At the time of diagnosis my boys were in their final A-level and GCSE years, and my daughter had just started secondary school. 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 25 September 2023, aged 47. I only found my lump because a friend had recently found one herself. Hers turned out to be a cyst, but she urged us all to check.

I wasn’t checking my breasts regularly, so I was shocked when I felt a hard lump just above my right nipple. I tried not to panic and went straight to my GP, who referred me to the breast clinic. 

Could you tell us about your diagnosis

Within a week of finding the lump I was seen at the breast clinic and had a biopsy.

The following week, I was told I had grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, measuring around 2cm and that I'd need a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy.

Further tests showed LCIS in my left breast, so surgery was carried out on both sides later that year. After the lumpectomy, the tumour was confirmed to be 3cm and grade 2, and tests showed features that increased my risk of recurrence.

How was your treatment?

Because there was high risk of recurrence, my treatment plan changed significantly. I now needed six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy and long-term endocrine therapy. The waiting and uncertainty were some of the hardest parts.

I started chemotherapy in January 2024. It was brutal, physically and emotionally. I lost all my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, gained weight, went into medically induced menopause and felt completely stripped back.

I did everything I could to keep going like walking, yoga and strength training. I learned that survival often looks very ordinary and very determined. 

What support did you receive? 

Throughout my diagnosis and treatment, Breast Cancer Now became my trusted companion. I had never been seriously ill before, suddenly I was navigating scans, surgeries, chemotherapy drugs and side effects.

The website became my safe place. A reliable source of information that helped me understand what was happening to my body and what to expect.

At a time when social media felt overwhelming and frightening, Breast Cancer Now provided clear, factual and compassionate guidance. Reading other people’s stories gave me hope, especially on days when I couldn’t see what lay ahead.

Around 10 months after finishing treatment, I completed the Moving Forward course, which was invaluable. The course helped me process the trauma and begin to move forward.

What motivated you to inspire others?

During my treatment, I began sharing my journey on Instagram, initially to update friends and family. I didn’t realise how powerful it would become.

This helped me process everything. It gave me a sense of purpose, carried me through some very dark days and 2 years on, @hellobreastcancer has grown into a community of over 1,800 people.

Through sharing my experience honestly, the highs and the lows, I’ve connected with incredible women and attended inspiring breast cancer awareness events.

When I was going through treatment, following someone further ahead gave me hope. I’m proud that my account now offers that same reassurance to others.

I’ve also connected with many South Asian women going through breast cancer, who have told me how important it is to see someone they can identify with.

What do you hope to achieve as a Breast Cancer Voice?

Within the South Asian community, conversations about breast cancer are still limited and awareness remains low. Representation matters and I want to help change that.

I decided to become a Voice because I truly understand how lonely cancer treatment, and life after treatment, can feel. Hearing from someone who has been through it and come out the other side can offer reassurance, strength and hope. 

For me, the period immediately after treatment was one of the hardest. Surgically induced menopause, daily aromatase inhibitors, zoledronic acid infusions, weight gain, fatigue and joint pain were, and still are, things I’m learning to navigate.

I believe this is where many women need more support, understanding and reassurance. Through Breast Cancer Now Louder Voices I want to help create space for these conversations and to be a visible voice for our community.

What have you been involved in as a Breast Cancer Voice?

I featured in a video, took part in the Change Happens Now strategy focus groups, spoke at Breast Cancer Now’s public fundraising directorate away day and on a webinar about navigating diagnosis within families. 

Being part of this work has been incredibly meaningful. It has allowed me to turn my experience into something purposeful, helping to raise awareness, amplify underrepresented voices and support others through and beyond breast cancer.