Breast cancer in ethnic communities
In the UK, breast cancer is less common in women from South Asian, black, Chinese, mixed, and other communities, than in white women. But women from these groups face lower survival rates, later diagnosis, and different levels of care.
Breast cancer outcomes
Ethnic communities are more likely to experience later stage diagnosis, lower survival rate and a poorer patient experience.
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LATER STAGE DIAGNOSIS
Black women (25% black African; 22% black Caribbean) are more likely to be diagnosed with later stage (stage 3 and 4) breast cancer compared to white women (13%)(i)(ii).
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LOWER SURVIVAL RATE
Breast cancer that’s diagnosed at a later stage is more difficult to treat. 3-year survival rates are lower in South Asian (89%) and black (85%) women compared to white women (91%)(iii)(iv).
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POORER PATIENT EXPERIENCE
In 2019, women with breast cancer from Asian, black and mixed ethnicities rated their overall care lower than ratings from white women(v).
Breast cancer awareness
Awareness of general cancer symptoms and help-seeking behaviours is lower in people from certain ethnic backgrounds than in people from white backgrounds(vi),(vii). Studies suggest women with breast cancer from ethnic communities have lower breast cancer awareness and knowledge of symptoms and risk factors than white women(viii),(ix)
Make sure you're breast aware
Watch our video to learn everything from how to check your breasts to breast cancer facts and stats.
Our breast awareness video is available on YouTube in 13 different languages, including Arabic, Polish, and British Sign Language. Find the video in your language.
To find out more about breast cancer screening, watch our video on NHS screening appointments and what you can expect.
The signs and symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms vary for different skin tones. Find out the common symptoms for your skin tone.
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Dark brown to black skin tone
Download a helpful guide on spotting common symptoms
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Brown skin tone
Download a useful guide to help you spot common signs and symptoms
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Medium to olive skin tone
Download a handy guide to recognise signs and symptoms
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Light to medium skin tone
Download our useful guide on spotting common signs and symptoms
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Light skin tone
Download a useful guide on common symptoms of breast cancer.
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Download guides in different languages
Order publications in your language.
Find out more about breast cancer symptoms and make sure to regularly check your breasts. If you spot anything you're unsure about, make to see your GP as soon as possible.
Read the stories of women from ethnic communities
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From awareness to action in the South Asian community: a conversation on breast cancer
In July 2024, Breast Cancer Now held its first ever panel event for South Asian women, by South Asian women.
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Being miserable wasn’t going to change the fact I had breast cancer, so I chose not to be
When Moke was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, she was committed to keeping her positive attitude – even when she faced complic...
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When I first noticed a change in my breast, I thought nothing of it
Lorraine’s breast cancer symptoms were not what she expected, so she didn’t see a doctor. When she was eventually diagnosed, she worried it ...
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Donna Fraser's experience
Hear from Donna Fraser OBE about why it’s so important to go for screening.
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References
(i) Bowen, R. L., Duffy, S. W., Ryan, et al (2008). Early onset of breast cancer in a group of British black women. British journal of cancer, 98(2), 277–281.
(ii) Ethnicity and stage at diagnosis. National cancer registration and analysis service data briefing. (2016). Public Health England and Cancer Research UK.
(iii) Jack, R.H., Davies, E.A. & Møller, H. (2009). Breast cancer incidence, stage, treatment, and survival in ethnic groups in South East England. British Journal of Cancer, 100, pp. 545-550
(iv) Cancer Incidence and Survival By Major Ethnic Group, England, 2002 – 2006. (2009). Cancer Research UK and National Cancer Intelligence Network.
(v) National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2019. NHS/Picker. Data request.
(vi) Niksic, M., Rachet, B., Warburton, F. et al. (2016). Ethnic differences in cancer symptom awareness and barriers to seeking medical help in England. British Journal of Cancer 115, 136–144.
(vii) Waller, J., Robb, K., Stubbings, S. et al. (2009). Awareness of cancer symptoms and anticipated help seeking among ethnic minority groups in England. British Journal of Cancer 101(2): 24–30
(viii) Scanlon, K. & Wood, A. (2005). Breast cancer awareness in Britain: are there difference based on ethnicity. Diversity & Equality in Health and Care 2: 211–221
(ix) Forbes, L. J., Atkins, L., Thurnham, A. et al (2011). Breast cancer awareness and barriers to symptomatic presentation among women from different ethnic groups in East London. British Journal of Cancer 105(10), 1474–1479.