In North West London, a group of Asian women are breaking down taboos surrounding cancer with the help of Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Asian Women Cancer Group, recently awarded nearly £11,000 by Macmillan to fund a series of taboo-busting workshops is embarking on a mission to empower Asian women living with cancer in the region.
According to a press release from Macmillan Cancer Support these workshops provide a sanctuary for women to share their experiences, rebuild their confidence, and address the emotional scars that often linger long after cancer treatment.
Emma Hammett, Macmillan Engagement Lead for London, shared her insights: "A lot of the people I work with tell me that cancer has damaged their self-confidence. Treatment can leave them with physical scars or body changes such as hair loss. There is also the emotional trauma of a cancer diagnosis, which can affect people for years afterwards."
Hammett emphasised the crucial role of grants like the one awarded by Macmillan, as the Asian Women Cancer Group receives no government funding. The workshops, generously funded by Macmillan, encompass a wide range of activities.
These include informative talks by medical experts such as psychologists and breast cancer surgeons, self-care workshops focusing on mindfulness, exercise classes, and hair and beauty sessions aimed at helping the women regain their self-assurance post-treatment.
Among the women benefiting from the Asian Women Cancer Group is Saudamini, a 68-year-old retired Bank Manager from Queensbury in Harrow. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer following a routine mammogram.
Photo credit: Macmillan Cancer Support
Saudamini's journey was complicated by the simultaneous cancer diagnosis her husband, Vipendra, received for bladder cancer.
Highlighting the importance of the Asian Women Cancer Group in her life, Saudamini said, "I think that cancer is still a taboo within the Asian community. The group gives us a confidential space to talk. Within the Asian community, there is still a culture where women get suppressed a lot more than men. Just being with other women who are going through cancer helps us to feel we are not alone and like we can open up."
On September 12th, the Asian Women Cancer Group hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning, raising £745 to support individuals living with cancer.
The Macmillan Coffee Morning is a significant annual fundraising event for the charity, generating over £12 million for people affected by cancer last year.
Every contribution matters, as cancer can disrupt an individual's entire life. Funds raised at events like these go toward various aspects of support provided by Macmillan, including specialist nursing, information on cancer-related issues like hair loss, exercise, and nutrition, as well as financial assistance such as benefits advice and grants.
Additionally, Macmillan offers emotional support through free specialist counselling and local support groups, ensuring that individuals with cancer receive comprehensive care.
Every £33 can fund one hour of Macmillan Nursing, £300 can provide a Macmillan grant to help with cost-of-living challenges, and £510 supports 30 people reaching out to the Macmillan Support line on 0808 808 0000.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)