After being diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2023, Reeta reflects on those early days after diagnosis and the importance of being able to talk about it – especially within communities where open discussions may be more challenging.
Growing up in an Asian household, we never talked about severe illnesses or death in case we tempted fate. So, when I was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer, my immediate thought was to only share the news with very close family. The thought of telling anyone in the wider community frightened me. I didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me or making assumptions that I'd got it because of something bad I had done in a previous life as many ethnic groups also believe in karma.
I hadn't realised that these thoughts were so deep-rooted and would end up having such a negative impact on my personal feelings into adulthood. Initially, these feelings were centred around me thinking I'd been tainted by a cruel disease, blaming myself as it surely must have been my fault – what had I done to get it?
As a qualified health professional, I was especially shocked by the way I reacted to and handled my own diagnosis. Looking back now, I truly believe it's because of the stigma attached to cancer, the fact that our parents stopped us mid-sentence should we ever ask any questions.
Even now when I talk about my journey to my mum, she shudders and quickly changes the topic. Still living in fear that if we speak too loudly about it, it may come back.
The awkwardness and embarrassment within the Asian community when talking about cancer, is heightened further with gynaecological issues. This is why I feel it is important to be speaking about my experience.
For me, Ethnic Minority Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect platform to reach out to those communities where open discussions may be a little bit more challenging due to cultural stigmas and provide them with a safe space. We need to focus on taking away the stigma of gynae health, speaking about symptoms and tailoring conversations to women across all communities – encouraging everyone to talk about the issues affecting them. No matter if it’s cancer. No matter if it’s gynae related.
Working with Target Ovarian Cancer and being able to share my story felt like a good starting point. The charity plays a key role in supporting those who have an ovarian cancer diagnosis, their families and those seeking help and advice.
When they asked me to help facilitate a Pop-up connection in my local area, I jumped at the opportunity. When I was first diagnosed, I remember anxiously wanting to connect with other ladies with the same or similar cancer to mine as I felt they would understand my thoughts and feelings better. I desperately wanted to hear success stories to give me that glimmer of hope.
With this new project from Target Ovarian Cancer, I hope that I can be that strength, hope and positivity for others, that I know we all crave once given a cancer diagnosis.
