Living with Stage 4 Cancer: How Ameena is Breaking Taboos in her Community

In April, Ameena Westwood, our Community Cancer Connector from the Yemeni Community Association (YCA), was invited by Macmillan Cancer Support to take part in a special film about her work, Let’s Talk Hope, and her personal journey with cancer.

A long-standing Macmillan volunteer of more than seven years, Ameena was recognised in 2023 with the With Heart Macmillan Award for her outstanding contribution to supporting others. Her impact has since reached national platforms - from speaking at the Macmillan Professional Conference in Glasgow to sharing her story on Good Morning Britain and in local and national newspapers.

On 23rd May, a Macmillan film crew joined Ameena for a full day of filming, beginning at YCA and continuing across key community locations - West Bromwich Market, West Smethwick Park, and finally, her home.

The resulting film captures Ameena’s strength, compassion, and dedication to helping others understand that cancer affects everyone - and that support, awareness, and early action save lives.

Watch the video below to see how Ameena’s story is inspiring change across our communities.

What happens when cancer isn’t talked about? When language barriers, cultural taboos, and a lack of support creates silence and isolation?

This is Ameena’s story. Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, she’s breaking down barriers in her community, supporting others through a powerful cancer support group, and navigating life with cancer alongside her loving husband.