Breast cancer
Pink · October
South Asian Heritage Trust · South Asian Cancer Awareness
Cancer, Culture & Conversation.
South Asian cancer awareness begins with conversations that feel safe, informed and understood. Explore personal stories, cancer care information and community support for individuals, families and carers.
“A conversation can be the beginning of understanding.”Listen · Learn · Support
01Open up conversations about cancer
02Learn from lived experiences
03Connect people with trusted support
Why we're talking
South Asian cancer awareness. Why conversation matters.
Cancer affects people across every community, but experiences of diagnosis, treatment and support can be shaped by language, family relationships, faith and cultural expectations. South Asian cancer awareness means making reliable information easier to find and creating space for people to share what matters to them. Cancer touches families and communities in different ways. Some people find it easy to ask questions or seek support. Others may face language barriers, uncertainty, fear or the weight of cultural expectations.
Through our Cancer Talking and Listening Circles in North East London, South Asian Heritage Trust brings people together to discuss cancer symptoms, screening, diagnosis, treatment, life beyond cancer and support for carers. The sessions are arranged through existing community networks and offer a respectful place to listen, learn and ask questions. If you notice an unexplained or persistent change in your health, contact your GP rather than waiting for a screening invitation.
Whether you have personal experience of cancer, care for someone who does, or simply want to understand more, there is something here for you.
Your story matters. Your questions matter. And you deserve to be heard.
A spectrum of awareness
Cancer awareness ribbons. Every colour has a meaning.
Different ribbon colours help communities recognise different types of cancer and the people affected by them. They can start conversations, honour experiences and encourage people to find out more.
Prostate cancer
Light blue · September
Ovarian cancer
Teal · September
Bowel cancer
Dark blue · March
Pancreatic cancer
Purple · November
Childhood cancer
Gold · September
Lung cancer
Pearl / white · November
Leukaemia
Orange · September
Cervical cancer
Teal and white · January
All cancers
Lavender · General awareness
Ribbon colours and awareness months can vary between organisations and countries. These are widely used associations, rather than official diagnostic symbols. Explore the fuller ribbon guide ↗
Real voices · Real experiences
South Asian cancer stories. Voices worth hearing.
Listen to people sharing experiences, questions and perspectives on cancer. These videos are external resources and reflect the views of their creators.
Featured conversation
South Asian Supernovas talk about breast cancer
Community voices exploring breast cancer and the importance of speaking openly.
Watch the conversation ↗
Personal stories
Storytelling and lived experience
Watch a personal storytelling resource and reflect on the experiences shared.
Expert perspective
Dr Ranjit
A short video contribution to the wider conversation around cancer awareness.
Lived experience
Dr Hajra on her cancer diagnosis
A personal account of receiving a diagnosis and navigating the experience.
Awareness
Seven signs of breast cancer
An awareness video about changes to look out for. Seek medical advice about any concerns.
NHS awareness
Raising awareness
An NHS-related video resource encouraging awareness and conversation.
Support near you
Cancer support. Find help near you.
There are organisations offering practical, emotional and community support for people affected by cancer. Finding the right service can start with something as simple as your postcode.
Trusted signposting
Find cancer support in your area.
Cancer Care Map helps you search for cancer care and support services near you across the UK.
Search Cancer Care Map ↗The postcode search opens on the Cancer Care Map website. SAHT does not collect your postcode.
Community conversations
Cancer talking and listening circles. What to expect.
Our facilitated gatherings are designed to help people explore cancer awareness, listen to one another and leave with useful information.
01
A warm welcome
Introductions and a comfortable, respectful space to settle in.
02
Learning together
Accessible information and videos to help open the discussion.
03
Shared conversations
Questions, reflections and experiences, with the choice to simply listen.
04
Next steps
Trusted resources, local support and an opportunity to share feedback.
Our community programme
South Asian community sessions. Many voices.
These are closed sessions arranged through participating community networks and organisations. Please contact your local organiser for participation details.
01
Barking Learning Centre
Room 114, First Floor
Tuesday 20 October 2026
11am–2pm
02
Leftley Sports Club
Date and time to be confirmed.
Planned03
Chadwell Heath Community Hub
Dagenham · Date to be confirmed.
Planned04
CKC Community Hub
Whitechapel · Date to be confirmed.
Planned05
Mulberry School
Date and time to be confirmed.
Planned06
Community session
Details to be confirmed.
To be confirmed07
Community session
Details to be confirmed.
To be confirmed08
Community session
Details to be confirmed.
To be confirmed09
Community session
Details to be confirmed.
To be confirmed10
Community session
Details to be confirmed.
To be confirmedProgramme information is provisional beyond the first session. Session locations are shared here for information rather than public booking.
Your guide to cancer care
Cancer care information for families and carers.
Our basic guide to cancer care in North East London explains changes to discuss with your GP, personalised care, hospital support and where to find help. Ask your healthcare team for an interpreter or information in a format you can understand. Guide information checked October 2026.
Four parts of personalised cancer care
01 · Holistic Needs AssessmentDiscuss physical, emotional, practical, social and spiritual needs.
02 · Health and wellbeing supportHelp with side effects, emotions, finances, work and daily life.
03 · Cancer Care ReviewA review with your GP or practice nurse, usually within 6 to 12 months of diagnosis.
04 · Treatment SummaryA record of treatment and important follow-up information.
If you notice an unexplained or persistent change, contact your GP. For urgent medical advice use NHS 111; call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
Project partnership
Community voices. Better conversations.
Delivered by South Asian Heritage Trust. Project funded by NHS North East London Cancer Alliance.
Help shape the conversation
Help improve cancer services. Share your experience.
Your experience of cancer care matters, whether you are living with cancer, supporting someone else or reflecting on barriers to getting help. Share what worked, what was missing and what services could do better. The SAHT consultation survey can be completed anonymously.
Complete the consultation survey ↗Further information
Trusted cancer information. Keep learning.
NHS cancer information
Information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and accessing NHS services.
Explore NHS guidance ↗Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for people living with cancer and those close to them.
Visit Macmillan ↗A note about health information: This page shares awareness resources and community experiences, not medical advice. If you notice an unusual or persistent change in your health, contact your GP. If you need urgent medical help, use NHS 111; for life-threatening emergencies call 999. External videos are provided for information and their contents have not been independently medically reviewed by SAHT.
