In a candid and compassionate conversation hosted by Skyraz Media Society, Noora—an Iranian newcomer based in Vancouver—opens up about her personal journey through breast cancer. Her story, marked by resilience and self-advocacy, reflects a broader challenge many immigrants face: confronting serious illness in an unfamiliar healthcare system, far from traditional support networks.

Majid Mahichi – Local Journalism Initiative

“I had a healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, mental balance, and overall wellness,” Noora explains. “I never thought I’d hear the word ‘cancer’ applied to me.” But after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in British Columbia, she was forced to quickly educate herself on the Canadian healthcare system, navigate insurance options, and seek out emotional support in a new and often isolating environment.

To unpack these complex issues, she’s joined by Dr. Gholamreza Asgari, a seasoned physician who practiced for years in Iran and now serves as director of the North Vancouver Medical Centre on 15th and Lonsdale. Although still completing his licensing in Canada, Dr. Asgari is actively engaged in community health.

“One of the most common cancers we see in British Columbia is colorectal cancer,” Dr. Asgari says. “It’s a major issue for both men and women. After that, breast cancer in women and lung cancer are also very prevalent.” He emphasizes the critical role of early detection: “People often ignore early symptoms or delay checkups, especially if they are new to the country or overwhelmed by other settlement challenges. That can be dangerous.”

Dr. Asgari underlines the need for accessible information, especially for non-English speakers. “Navigating the Canadian system isn’t always easy. Insurance, referrals, emotional care—it can all be confusing if you don’t have someone guiding you.” He adds that immigrant patients are more likely to delay seeking help, not because of negligence, but due to fear, stigma, or lack of familiarity with local healthcare pathways.

The conversation shifts to community responsibility. Both Noora and Dr. Asgari call for more culturally aware health services, grassroots education efforts, and collective encouragement within immigrant communities to prioritize checkups and open dialogue about illness.

“We need to normalize talking about health concerns,” Dr. Asgari notes. “Even if you feel something small is off—go. Don’t ignore it. It’s not just about surviving cancer; it’s about catching it early enough to recover fully.”

The interview ends with a shared message of hope, urging Vancouver’s immigrant residents to lean on one another, seek knowledge, and not shy away from confronting difficult health realities. In a city where life’s pressures often distract from personal well-being, this dialogue offers both guidance and a sense of solidarity.