Let's look at the stats
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage breast cancer1
Here’s a breakdown of stage 3 and 4 breast cancer diagnoses in England in 2012-132:
- Black African women: 25%
- Black Caribbean women: 22%
-
Asian Indian women: 15%
-
Asian Pakistani and Bangladeshi women: 15%
- White women: 13%
-
Chinese women: 10%
Breast cancer that’s diagnosed at a later stage is more difficult to treat, so survival rates are lower3
In a study on women aged 15-64, South Asian and black women had an 89% and 85% survival rate, compared to a 91% survival rate for white women after 3 years4.
Women from some communities experience a lower level of care than white women
The 2019 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey showed that women from Asian, black and mixed communities experienced lower overall care than white women5.
Check for symptoms using our handy guides
Learn the signs and symptoms
For women in the UK, breast cancer is now the most common type of cancer. Cases have grown by almost a quarter in the last 3 decades. No matter what age or ethnicity you are, regularly checking for symptoms has never been more important.
Download our quick guide
Our Know your breasts - quick guide is a discreet, pocket-sized guide showing you how to be breast aware. It’s available to download in 16 different languages.
Breast cancer stores from ethnic communities
Moke's story
When Moke was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she made sure to keep a positive attitude - even when she had treatment complications.
Lorraine’s story
Lorraine’s first symptoms weren’t what she expected, so she didn’t see a doctor. When she was eventually diagnosed, she was worried it was too late to be treated.
Kreena's story
“There's still shame and stigma associated with cancer.”
Kreena talks about her experience of breast cancer as a young South Asian woman.
Stories from black communities
Breast screening can find breast cancer early – before you even see or feel any symptoms. Hear from Donna Fraser OBE and Lorraine about why it’s so important to go for screening.
Stories from South Asian communities
Are you worried about going for your breast screening? Hear from Kaur and others about the importance of breast screening as a woman from the South Asian community.
How we can help you
Ask our nurses
If you want to ask something about breast cancer, find more support or just talk things through, our breast care nurses are here.
Our services
If you’re affected by breast cancer, you can turn to us for support. Whether you want to speak to our nurses, join a course, or meet others like you, our free services are here for you.
Book a public health talk
Help us spread the word and raise awareness about breast cancer. We can give awareness talks in your community, workplace, church group, or anywhere else. Our volunteers are trained to talk about breast cancer, both online and in person.