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Ethnic communities hub

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.

Let's look at the stats

Headshot of Stella with a backdrop of the sea

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%

People sat down holding mugs

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.

Anjli watering plants

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. 

Be breast aware and know the symptoms

Research shows that some ethnic communities aren’t as aware of risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer, compared with white women. It’s important to take charge of your health and know the facts.

Have a look at our breast awareness video on YouTube. You can find top tips, learn breast cancer facts and find out how screening works in the UK.  It’s available in 13 different languages, including Arabic, Polish, and British Sign Language.

Find the video in your language

Check for symptoms using our handy guides

Check your breasts guide for dark brown to black skin tone

Dark brown to black skin tone

Download the dark brown to black skin tone guide.

 

Download

Check your breasts guide for brown skin tone

Brown skin tone

Download the brown skin tone guide.

 

Download

Check your breasts guide for medium to olive skin tone

Medium to olive skin tone

Download the medium to olive skin tone guide.

 

Download

Check your breasts guide for light to medium skin tone

Light to medium skin tone

Download the light-to-medium skin tone guide.

 

Download

Check your breasts guide for light skin tone

Light skin tone

Download the light skin tone guide.

 

Download

Huji on a yoga mat checking her breasts

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.

 

Breast cancer symptoms

Our Know your breasts guide on some cushioned sheets

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.

Download our guide

Breast cancer stores from ethnic communities

Moke looking to the side

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.

 

Read Moke's story

Lorraine, a Black woman with short, curly hair, smiles widely while holding a pink mug covered in hearts

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.

 

Read Lorraine's story

Headshot of Kreena

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. 

Watch Kreena's story

It’s important for you to attend your breast screening appointment. It will detect small changes in your breasts even before there are any signs or symptoms

Kousar Tasneem, senior radiographer (advanced practitioner) at Charing Cross Hospital

Photo of Donna Fraser, OBE

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.

Watch black stories on YouTube

Saki

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.

Watch South Asian stories on YouTube

How we can help you

Contact the nurses

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.

Ask our nurses

 

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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.

 

Support for you

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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.

 

Public health talks

References

1 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. 

2 Ethnicity and stage at diagnosis. National cancer registration and analysis service data briefing. (2016). Public Health England and Cancer Research UK. 

3 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 

4 Cancer Incidence and Survival By Major Ethnic Group, England, 2002 – 2006. (2009). Cancer Research UK and National Cancer Intelligence Network. 

5 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey 2019. NHS/Picker. Data request. 

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