Asian Breast Cancer Survivors Breaking Cultural Taboos

Breast cancer is a sensitive topic within the Asian community, and there is a stigma surrounding it. Sonia Bhandal, who lost her mother to breast cancer and later developed the same disease herself, believes that Asian women face additional pressures when dealing with a long-term illness. These pressures often include questions about their marriage prospects and fertility. This can be disheartening, especially when you are trying to survive day by day. Breast Cancer Now conducted research that indicates south Asians have lower breast screening rates, leading to later diagnoses and reduced survival rates compared to white women. Cultural and language barriers contribute to this disparity, along with a fear of cancer and fatalistic beliefs among some individuals. Sonia discovered she had an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to an altered gene called BRCA, which she inherited from her mother and aunt who died from the disease. After experiencing pain in her breast, she opted for a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of further cancer. Dr. Sania Ahmed, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 24, emphasizes that breast examinations are not prioritized among women in the south Asian community. As a doctor, she encourages her patients to check their breasts and seek medical attention if something feels abnormal. Dipika Saggi, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, had a difficult experience during the Covid pandemic. She felt that seeking help was delayed due to the belief that young people cannot get cancer. Comments from others, referencing karma or God's will, also negatively impacted her journey. Manveet Basra of Breast Cancer Now believes that young individuals like Sonia, Dipika, and Sania can help change mindsets within the community by promoting breast awareness and early detection. If you need support regarding the issues discussed in this article, the BBC Action Line can provide help and information.