As a louder Voice, Anjli uses her experience and skills to help improve our breast cancer research and services. She’s making sure that younger women of South Asian descent are represented in our work.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a passionate home cook who is either eating food or thinking about it. I also love to travel, read fiction and learn new things. I’m close to my mum, who I care for, and my 2 older sisters. We’re a small, loving family and we can always count on each other.
Tell us about your experience with breast cancer
8 years ago, I was diagnosed with high-grade and triple-negative breast cancer. My treatment involved a mammoplasty, and . I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I feel privileged to use my experience to help improve things for others with breast cancer.
Why did you decide to join Breast Cancer Voices?
In 2019, I signed up to volunteer as a patient advocate for Breast Cancer Now’s Service Pledge. After finding the programme so rewarding, I wanted to find other opportunities to work with the charity.
In 2021, I came across an advert for Breast Cancer Voices and learned about its diverse opportunities. I signed up to become a Voice and love every minute of it. I’m a louder Voice, which means I get emails throughout the month about targeted opportunities I can take part in.
As a Breast Cancer Voice, what have you been involved in so far?
There are many different ways to get involved, from filling out surveys online, joining research groups and modelling for a campaign. You can participate in panel discussions, share your story with Breast Cancer Now, and help with the Voices engagement strategy. There’s a huge range of opportunities and it’s never boring.
As part of being a louder Voice, I’m also a member of the Improving Public Health, Equity and Wellbeing funding committee as the patient representative. Soon, I’ll be supporting some Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives to improve volunteer diversity and the inclusivity of services. As a younger woman of South Asian descent who’s had a breast cancer diagnosis, I’m keen to make sure these ethnic communities are represented wherever possible.
Has there been anything particularly meaningful to you?
As a louder Voice, I get to contribute my whole self, which feels really special. As volunteers, we have a range of skills and experience that we can bring to the table. It’s empowering and fulfilling to contribute to Breast Cancer Now’s work, and the staff always appreciate our help.
Why is it important for people with lived experience of breast cancer to be involved in our work?
Having a lived experience of breast cancer provides a unique perspective from someone who has lived with or is still living with breast cancer. We can truly understand what people and their loved ones are going through.
Involving Breast Cancer Voices in research and services can enrich Breast Cancer Now’s very important work. It makes sure that our work benefits the community of breast cancer patients and their loved ones.
What would you say to anyone thinking about getting involved?
At the heart of Breast Cancer Now, the staff and volunteers work hard to improve breast cancer services and outcomes. Everyone is welcoming, compassionate and respectful of each other.
As a Voice, there’s no pressure to do more than you’re comfortable with. The role is easy to balance with your personal life. Breast Cancer Now staff always check if we need any support, and they consider the emotional impact on us at every stage. Every project is a real team effort. Being a Voice is honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Use your voice for positive change
If, like Anjli, you'd like to use your experience to improve things for others with breast cancer, join our Voices network.