Breaking the Silence: Cancer Stigma and Cultural Barriers in South Asian Communities with Harjeet Kaur, Stage 4 Cancer Survivor, Patient Advocate & Influencer

In this special episode, host Melissa Berry is joined by Harjeet Kaur, a Stage 4 cancer survivor, patient advocate, speaker, influencer, and founder of Chai and Hope, a support community for South Asian cancer patients.

Harjeet is dedicated to breaking the stigma around cancer, fertility loss, and hair loss due to treatment—especially within the South Asian community. After her cancer diagnosis and stem cell transplant, Harjeet turned her pain into purpose by breaking down barriers within her own family. While she received love and support, the topic of cancer was never discussed. Harjeet found a way to open up that conversation with her own family and now helps others do the same.

We explore the emotional and familial challenges of fertility and hair loss—issues deeply significant in South Asian culture—and how Harjeet overcame these obstacles. She shares how founding Chai and Hope has created a supportive space for South Asian cancer patients.

This conversation is about breaking stigma, overcoming family barriers, and finding strength through shared stories.