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Breast cancer in ethnic communities

Studies have shown that women from underrepresented ethnic groups face different breast cancer outcomes than white women, like later-stage diagnosis, lower survival rate and poorer patient experience.

A young woman with long curly black hair wearing a light blue vest, checks her under arm breast area in the mirror

Healthcare Information

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer can cause a number of signs and symptoms. See your GP if you notice a change to your breast that’s new or unusual for you.

Common misconceptions and taboos have helped create stigma around conversations about breast health and breast cancer, leading to poorer breast cancer outcomes for women from ethnic communities.

We want to help women from all backgrounds feel seen, heard and supported throughout their breast cancer journey. It’s vital we keep up the conversation about breast cancer, raising awareness of the unique challenges women from ethnic communities face, and encourage everyone to get to know their breasts.

Breast Cancer Myths: What your healthcare professional wants you to know

What myths have you heard about breast cancer? Dr Aziza Sesay (GP), Naman Julka-Anderson (therapeutic radiographer), Nipa Patel (pharmacist), and Sarah Adomah (clinical nurse specialist) tell us the facts about common breast cancer myths.

Watch more from our healthcare professionals on breast screening and breast cancer awareness.

Know your breasts - in your language

Know your breasts guides

Download or order free leaflets about the symptoms of breast cancer in 14 languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, and Bengali.

Find out more
Breast cancer awareness videos

Learn about breast cancer and how to check your breasts to help notice any changes. We have videos in 14 languages, including BSL.

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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.
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...
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 ...
Donna Fraser's experience

Hear from Donna Fraser OBE about why it’s so important to go for screening.