Cancer campaigner recognised by global organisation

A mother-of-three has been recognised by a global cancer organisation for her work to promote patients' stories and early diagnosis.

Sbba Siddique, from Slough, Berkshire, was 53 when first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022 and she had surgery and chemotherapy and was in remission.

But she was diagnosed with it again two months ago and had surgery three weeks ago.

She was praised by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC), a Canada-based not-for-profit organisation, as part of its annual awards which recognise people's efforts around the world.

Mrs Siddique said: "Although for the moment I'll take a pause this is even more motivation for me to continue the fight."

She attended a reception for cancer charities at Buckingham Palace and met King Charles and Queen Camilla in April.

The WOCC said she is a "fervent advocate" for South Asian women who face a cancer diagnosis and dealing with "challenging health disparities".

It said she "actively promotes symptom awareness, confronts cultural taboos, and strives to normalise conversations about cancer to foster early diagnosis."

She said she was "truly humbled, grateful and honoured" to be recognised in the hope that "women are able to make informed choices and feel empowered to effectively self-advocate".

She added: "My journey was painful, and from that pain I wanted to create purpose. I wanted to make a difference."