Amy and Naren hear three perspectives on how ethnicity can affect breast cancer diagnosis and the need for greater community awareness, cultural sensitivity, and equitable care for all.
Journalist Satnam Rana-Grindley caught her breast cancer at a very early stage, but says cancer is a taboo subject for many in South Asian communities. Meanwhile, consultant medical oncologist, Dr Olubokola Ayodele, says black women are "four times likely to die from the disease" due to late presentation and aggressive subtypes like triple-negative cancer. She highlights systemic bias and the need for inclusive screening programmes.
Helena Boyce runs Youbuntu, which delivers workshops on diversity and inclusion. She talks to Amy and Naren about her three cancer diagnoses and the discrimination she faced within the health system as a black woman, including being offered a "pink prosthesis" after a mastectomy.
01:09 Introduction to Satnam Rana-Grindley
01:31 The importance of self-examination
04:51 Cultural taboos and family reactions
06:39 Improving breast cancer awareness in South Asian communities
10:22 Health disparities in black and minority ethnic communities
21:19 Challenges in clinical trials and treatment acceptance
28:43 Helena Boyce on her multiple cancer diagnoses
32:47 Helena Boyce on discrimination and advocacy
Amy and Naren are joined by oncoplastic surgeon Miss Georgette Oni to talk about the various types of breast reconstruction options available. They talk about the collaborative nature of breast surgery, and the importance of managing patient expectations.
Amy shares her initial desire for a double mastectomy, explaining, "I just wanted to be done with it there and then", and her satisfaction with her implant she eventually had.
Louise Grimsdell is a Senior Clinical Nurse at charity, Breast Cancer Now adds insight into patient support and the importance of proper information for making informed decisions.
01:16 Understanding oncoplastic surgery
02:42 Types of breast reconstruction surgeries
04:08 Patient considerations and expectations
07:13 Challenges and emotional aspects
11:41 Advancements in breast reconstruction
14:45: Discussion of the impact of reconstruction on sensation and relationships.
16:00: Advice to see a surgeon's work and challenges of rapid decision-making.
18:00: Information on Breast Cancer Now's "Someone Like Me" peer support service.
Amy and Naren hear how wellbeing and lifestyle changes that can support breast cancer treatment.
Dietician Professor Michelle Harvie talks about diet myths and the benefits of adjusting your lifestyle. Amy shares her own experience of being overwhelmed by conflicting social media advice during her treatment.
Amy also talks about how resources from youth-focussed CoppaFeel! enabled her to find her lump. Emma Walker from the charity is here to talk about their mission to empower young people on self-awareness and early detection.
This episode also explores breast cancer care within the transgender community, with Dr. Alison Burner, who talks about the importance of obtaining accurate incidence data, systemic biases in screening programmes, and prevalent medical mistrust.
01:58 Exploring lifestyle changes with Professor Michelle Harvie
03:04 Emma Walker from CoppaFeel! raising awareness
05:40 Debunking myths: dairy, sugar, and alcohol
10:41 The Mediterranean Diet and healthy eating
14:45 The impact of CoppaFeel! on Amy's journey
19:22 Dr. Alison Burner on transgender cancer care
21:13 Challenges and opportunities in transgender breast cancer screening
24:04 Hormone therapy and breast cancer risk
28:29 The UK cancer transition service model
31:18 Ensuring inclusive inpatient care
32:45 Resources and support for transgender patients
Oncologist Dr. Sacha Howell talks to Amy and Naren about the impact of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at a younger age. They explore the aggressive nature of the disease in young women, the limitations of current screening methods, and the benefits and risks of preventative surgeries versus medications.
Louise Yafai’s mother died of breast cancer, prompting her to do a genetic test. She tells Amy and Naren how a preventative double mastectomy reduced her chances of a breast cancer diagnosis significantly, and about the peace of mind that this has brought her.
In the episode, we also hear about fertility and cancer and how Amy responded well to fertility treatment ahead of her chemotherapy, allowing her to potentially start a family in the future.
01:16 Challenges of breast cancer in young women
01:34 Introduction to Dr. Sacha Howell
02:08 Breast cancer screening and risk factors
06:35 BCAN Ray study and initial findings
08:17 Fertility and treatment considerations
12:21 Louise Yafai’s preventative surgery experience
14:43 The impact of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes
24:57 The Angelina Jolie effect on screening
26:14 Future of breast cancer screening
28:24 Conclusion and resources
Clinical geneticist Professor Julian Barwell joins Amy and Naren to discuss the role of genetics in breast cancer. We learn about high-risk genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, the importance of knowing family history, and the misconceptions surrounding genetic inheritance.
Amy and Naren also speak to Jagdish Baines, a two-time breast cancer survivor, about the emotional and physical impacts of the diagnosis on her family. Jag now advocates for self-checking and early detection and highlights the importance of asking questions to help gain understanding and a sense of control in managing breast cancer risk.
02:01 Genetics and breast cancer risk
03:54 Family history and genetic testing
05:44 The importance of genetic awareness
06:56 Men and breast cancer
08:21 Personalised treatment and risk screening
09:40 Amy's genetic testing experience
10:04 The complexity of cancer genetics
11:42 Educational outreach and awareness
15:38 Introduction to Jag Baines
26:23 Future of genetic testing
29:22 Final thoughts and support resources
As an introduction to the series, Amy sits down with Naren to share her story following a breast cancer diagnosis at 32. She discusses her initial shock and how self-checking saved her life. We also hear the profound loss of control she felt post-diagnosis and the unexpected "hard slog" of recovery.
Amy and Naren talk about navigating the different types of breast cancer and the terminology involved, and maintaining control through treatment choices.
We also hear about Amy's driving mission for the series: "to do all I possibly can to raise awareness, break the stigma, and to learn as much as I possibly can about this awful disease".
01:02 The importance of awareness
01:54 Understanding breast cancer types
05:12 The emotional journey
06:47 Life after diagnosis
09:43 The role of healthcare professionals
12:25 Mission to raise awareness
13:06 Conclusion and future goals