We’re proud to launch the very first episode of The Lifestyle Prescription with Rena Annobil, a groundbreaking health and wellness podcast for women that explores untold stories, real-life health challenges, and the incredible strength found in vulnerability.

In this powerful debut, Rena welcomes Sbba Siddique, co-founder of Asian Star Radio and an ovarian cancer “thriver”, for a candid and emotional conversation about her diagnosis, treatment, and healing journey. This episode is a vital listen during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it raises urgent questions about how we educate, support, and listen to women—especially those from underrepresented communities.

Watch now: The Lifestyle Prescription - Episode 1

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the ovaries—part of the female reproductive system responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It's one of the most serious gynaecological cancers due to how difficult it is to detect in its early stages. There’s currently no effective routine screening for ovarian cancer in the UK, making symptom awareness critical.

Often called a “silent killer,” ovarian cancer presents with subtle, easily overlooked symptoms that are commonly mistaken for more benign issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), menopause, or even stress. Because of this, many women are diagnosed when the cancer is already advanced, which reduces survival rates significantly.

Why This Episode Matters

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a timely moment to amplify education and break the silence around a disease that affects thousands of women in the UK each year. Through Sbba’s lived experience, this episode of The Lifestyle Prescription offers clarity, education, and empowerment.

Sbba’s story shows why early detection of ovarian cancer is so important, how healthcare inequality in the UK continues to affect women of colour, and why it’s time to confront cultural taboos around women’s health, especially within South Asian communities.

What You'll Learn in This Women’s Health Podcast:

  • The persistent symptoms of ovarian cancer—and why they’re easy to miss
  • How to speak to your GP about ovarian cancer screening and diagnosis
  • Sbba’s powerful account of chemotherapy side effects, surgery, and emotional recovery
  • The mental and emotional toll on family members and the role of faith in healing
  • Why cultural silence around reproductive health can delay diagnosis
  • The realities of racial and systemic healthcare disparities in the NHS
  • The importance of representation and authentic health stories in public discourse

Questions Raised by This Episode:

  • What are the first signs of ovarian cancer that women should never ignore?
  • Why are so many women only diagnosed at Stage 3 or Stage 4?
  • How can younger women become more aware of their gynaecological health risks?
  • Are healthcare systems doing enough to address racial bias in care and diagnosis?
  • How does spirituality play a role in cancer recovery?
  • What role should ethnic media platforms play in raising awareness?
  • How can we empower more women to advocate for their own health in medical settings?

These questions—and the heartfelt discussion that surrounds them—make this episode one of the most important conversations on women’s health in the UK podcast space right now.

Why Awareness Saves Lives

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed too late, but early detection dramatically increases survival rates. Knowing the symptoms, trusting your body, and seeking medical attention when something doesn’t feel right can truly be life-saving.

By sharing stories like Sbba’s, we aim to:

  • Encourage earlier GP visits
  • Promote more open conversations around female health
  • Push for better awareness among Asian women and other underrepresented groups
  • Inspire women to speak up when they feel they aren’t being heard

Who Should Watch This Episode?

This episode is essential for:

  • Women experiencing symptoms such as persistent bloating, pelvic pain, or frequent urination
  • South Asian women looking for culturally relevant health content
  • Family members supporting someone through a cancer diagnosis
  • Healthcare professionals seeking to improve patient empathy and understanding
  • Anyone interested in real, powerful health stories from leading UK women’s podcasts

Tune In & Share

Watch the full episode now on Pharmacy Planet’s YouTube Channel:

Share this episode with your community. You never know who might need this information today — a friend, a sister, a colleague. One share could lead someone to the GP appointment that changes (or even saves) their life.

Discover more content from The Lifestyle Prescription and explore wellness support, women’s health services, and trusted pharmacy care at Pharmacy Planet

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Posted: March 30, 2025
Author: Jenomi Thuduwage