How Priyanka is helping children understand cancer – and breaking taboos in South Asian communities

Priyanka was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at 36. After discovering a lump in Easter 2022, she underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and reconstruction, receiving the all-clear in October 2023.  

Cancer impacts more than people’s health. It can impact their relationships, jobs, finances, emotional wellbeing and so much more. While Priyanka and her husband felt supported during her cancer treatment, she felt there was a lack of support for children, highlighting the need for better information and resources for young families facing a cancer diagnosis. 

Priyanka is sharing her story as part of our Whoever You Are campaign. 

While going through chemotherapy for her triple negative breast cancer, Priyanka began writing a children’s book, ‘When Mummy Had Cancer’, to help other families talk about a parent’s cancer diagnosis.  
Told from a child’s perspective, it aims to comfort and guide children through their parent’s cancer diagnosis. Since her own breast cancer diagnosis, Priyanka has trained as a children’s life coach, determined to give families the tools and confidence to have honest, supportive conversations about cancer. 

"I'd rather speak to my children and tell them everything that I know, which has come from a professional, from someone with a medical background, rather than them Googling or going to a smart speaker." 

We have more information about talking to children and teenagers about cancer.