Chai, Conversation and Community at Heart of Breast Cancer Campaign

Pink Chai CIC is marking the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by bringing people together to talk about breast health, challenge stigma and encourage earlier action.

What began as a community-led idea is developing and growing, with individuals, volunteers, businesses, schools, colleges, universities, charities, faith organisations and community groups helping take breast cancer awareness directly into the heart of communities.

Pink Chai CIC uses the familiar and culturally significant tradition of sharing chai (Kashmiri tea) to create welcoming spaces where women can learn about breast health, recognise possible signs and symptoms, understand the importance of NHS breast screening and feel more confident seeking medical advice when they notice a change.

Throughout October, Pink Chai Mornings, Pink Chai Afternoons and community events will bring people together in places where they already live, work, learn, worship and socialise.

The goal is simple: encourage more women to be breast aware, attend screening when invited and seek medical advice promptly if they notice an unusual change.

Muzahid Khan MBE DL, of Pink Chai CIC, said: “Something powerful is happening. From Oldham, Manchester and Bradford to Birmingham, Coventry, London, Wolverhampton, Worthing, Exeter and Newcastle, people are taking ownership of this message and bringing Pink Chai into their own communities.

“Behind every breast cancer diagnosis is a mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend or colleague. Our ambition is simple: start more conversations, tackle stigma, increase awareness and encourage earlier action.”

Pink Chai CIC has a focus on reaching women from South Asian communities and addressing cultural, language and awareness barriers that can make conversations about breast health more difficult.

For some women, modesty, fear and stigma can make it uncomfortable to discuss breasts or cancer openly. Pink Chai seeks to help break down barriers by creating trusted, culturally sensitive spaces for conversation, education and support.

The message is clear: talking about breast cancer is not shameful. Ignoring a change can be dangerous.

Dr Musharraf Hussain, Chair of Pink Chai CIC, said: “Breast cancer awareness is not simply a health message; it is a community responsibility. We need to create environments where women feel confident talking about their health, recognising changes and seeking medical advice without fear, embarrassment or stigma.”

He said that Pink Chai brings people together through something familiar — a cup of chai — and turns that moment into an opportunity for education, conversation and potentially life-saving action.

Ashah Nadeem said: “As an Ambassador for Pink Chai CIC, I am proud to be part of a growing movement that is taking breast cancer awareness directly into our communities.

“We need to make it easier for women to talk openly about breast health, understand the importance of early detection and feel confident seeking help when something changes.

“This campaign is about education, conversation and action. If sharing a cup of chai and starting one conversation encourages a woman to attend screening, recognise a change or seek medical advice sooner, then that conversation really could help save a life,” she said.

“Together, we can challenge stigma, raise awareness and make breast health a conversation that no woman should feel embarrassed or afraid to have.”

Pink Chai CIC believes community-led health awareness can complement the work of healthcare services by taking trusted information directly into communities.

Pink Chai CIC is inviting communities, businesses, workplaces, schools, colleges, universities, charities, faith organisations and individuals across the UK to join the movement during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.