Grandmother Ameena Westwood Fights Stage Four Cancer and Aims to Change Cancer Care Forever
Ameena Westwood, a grandmother-of-seven from Smethwick, West Midlands, knew something wasn’t right when she began suffering from a bad cough and shortness of breath in December 2023. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer six years earlier, she had received the all-clear after undergoing a mastectomy and radiotherapy. However, her recent symptoms made her fear the worst: a recurrence of cancer.
Ameena’s family has a history of cancer. Her mother, father, and sister have all been diagnosed with the disease, and her daughter, who tested positive for the BRCA2 gene, chose to undergo a preventative mastectomy. Despite her family’s genetic predisposition, Ameena’s concerns were initially dismissed.
She was given antibiotics and told not to worry, but after three visits to her GP, she was finally sent for an X-ray. The results were devastating. Her lung had collapsed, and she was admitted to A&E, where doctors confirmed her worst fear: the cancer had returned and was now stage four metastatic breast cancer, having spread to her spine, pelvis, ribs, and sternum, reported by the Express.
In sharing her story, Ameena aims to raise awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity’s latest analysis predicts that by the end of this year, a record 3.4 million people in the UK will be living with cancer, nearly half a million more than five years ago. Macmillan also warned of an “unacceptable cancer care gap,” with a recent survey revealing that one in three cancer patients feel that cancer care is harder to access now than at any other time.
Ameena’s family’s experience with cancer is marked by loss and frustration. Her father passed away from stomach cancer after his own cancer diagnosis, and her sister was also diagnosed after discovering a lump in her breast. “As a family, we felt it was inevitable that we would all end up with cancer,” Ameena said. “We were sure there was a genetic link with our diagnoses, but our concerns were dismissed.”
It wasn’t until her father participated in a genomic trial that the family learned he carried a faulty BRCA2 gene, which led to genetic testing for the family. Ameena opted for preventative surgery, including the removal of her ovaries, while her daughter chose a preventative mastectomy. Despite the overwhelming evidence of a genetic link, the family felt let down by the medical system.
Rather than remain angry, Ameena decided to channel her energy into making a change for marginalized communities. As part of the Macmillan-funded Community Connectors team, she works to improve cancer experiences for Black and Minority Ethnic communities, aiming to ensure that no one faces cancer alone or unsupported. She shared, “It’s so important that we make cancer a normal conversation in marginalized communities and help people to act on any concerns.”
Ameena’s dedication to this cause reflects her belief that every person deserves access to the best care, regardless of their background. “No one should face this journey feeling alone and unsupported. I’ll be here to my last breath to support and improve this journey for others.”