S7 Ep8: Navigating cultural taboos with breast cancer (Pretti)

In this episode Laura speaks to Pretti who was prompted to self-check by a friend, and was diagnosed with breast cancer aged 47. Pretti reflects on some of the misconceptions and taboos around breast cancer in the South Asian community. She speaks about the importance of encouraging open and honest conversations about breast cancer awareness and early detection. They discuss the physical effects of treatment such as hair loss during chemotherapy and how she coped with body image changes. Pretti also talks about how exercise, acupuncture, education and self-compassion have helped her recovery. Pretti explains how sharing her story through social media has helped create a supportive community, encouraging women to check their breasts and attend mammograms, and providing hope to others undergoing treatment. Key Topics 02:05 Pretti's diagnosis, treatment and how she is now 08:11 The cultural approach to health matters in the South Asian community 13:13 Advice for speaking to parents 16:50 Barriers to diagnosis for South Asian women 17:45 Why you shouldn't be reluctant to go to a mammograms 18:05 Empowering women to take control of their breast health 18:30 Advice for someone struggling to talk to their family about their diagnosis 22:05 South Asian beauty standards and body image during treatment 26:10 Speaking to kids about breast cancer 31:50 Fighting back feelings of shame and guilt around cancer, after being brought up with misconceptions and taboos around the topic 36:35 (Surgically induced) Menopause 39:15 Managing low mood 43:14 Attitudes to food and nutrition 47:45 Being a model in The Show by Breast Cancer Now 48:57 Being a BCN voice 51:00 Something you wish you'd known before your diagnosis 53:54 What do you want people to take away from this episode? Find Pretti on Instagram at @hellobreastcancer