Olubukola Ayodele: Shared discomfort around discussing cancer between South Asian and African cultures
Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Today was truly a heartwarming experience as I spent time with an incredible group of women from the South Asian community in Leicester. Their openness and willingness to share created a nurturing environment, allowing us to connect on such an important and often sensitive topic.
We tackled the challenging issue of cancer outcomes in minority ethnic communities, where the statistics reveal that many suffer poorer prognoses primarily due to late-stage diagnoses. It’s heartbreaking to see how cultural beliefs and religious views can prevent timely discussions about health, leaving many feeling isolated and afraid.
The parallels between South Asian and African cultures were evident, particularly in our shared discomfort around discussing cancer. It’s a topic often shrouded in silence, as many associate it with death and carry the heavy stigma of a diagnosis. This unspoken burden can weigh so heavily, making it all the more crucial for us to address it together.
Gathering in informal settings like this allows for such heartfelt conversations, creating a safe haven where women can ask their questions without fear of judgment. During our time together, we emphasized the importance of self-breast examination, the need for regular cancer screenings, the potential value of participating in clinical trials and prevention strategies. We also touched on the necessity of self-advocacy—encouraging each woman to assert herself if she feels unheard by her healthcare providers.
I deeply believe in the idea of teach one, teach all, and it was uplifting to see how empowered the women felt by the end of our discussion. One woman shared, I’ve learned so much today; I feel like I’m a doctor. Her words were a testament to the shift in confidence that can emerge from knowledge.
The culture of silence surrounding cancer is a legacy that has been passed down, but we have the power to change that narrative. It’s our duty to break the cycle, sharing the right information and cultivating positive attitudes for future generations. Only then can we hope to transform the story of cancer outcomes for our communities and encourage a healthier, more informed future.
Thank you to Rehana Sidat and her wonderful team at Jamila Legacy for putting this together.”
More posts featuring Olubukola Ayodele.
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ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
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ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
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Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
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OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
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Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023