What a summer research internship taught us about breast cancer inequalities
8 hours and 45 minutes ago
In Summer 2025, the Ethnicity and Breast Cancer Group in the Cancer Epidemiology Unit hosted two UNIQplus interns. Together, they undertook a research project investigating the routes to diagnosis of breast cancer by ethnicity. Below, Uashar and Alia, both medical students, reflect on their experiences.
Uashar Badakhshan
Tell us about yourself
I am a final-year medical student at the University of Exeter with a strong interest in addressing health inequalities through research and clinical practice. During my studies, I was awarded a Wellcome Trust Scholarship by the University of Oxford to join the Cancer Epidemiology Unit, an experience that strengthened my research skills.
What was your internship like?
During my internship at the Cancer Epidemiology Unit, I immersed myself in a new and distinctive environment, focusing on the routes to diagnosis of breast cancer by ethnicity. Working alongside senior clinicians and researchers, I gained direct insight into how database studies can impact our current understanding of population health.
What specific skills did you focus on developing during your time here?
My role involved reviewing the existing literature, data analysis and developing the softer research skills, like curiosity. Later, I was encouraged to present our findings alongside my partner, which not only boosted my confidence in scientific communication but also taught me how to engage with a diverse audience.
Beyond the data analysis, how did the internship influence your future career plans?
I connected with students from various disciplines, broadening my clinical perspective and establishing valuable networks. This experience also deepened my interest in an academic career in medicine and improved my ability to balance clinical responsibilities with research. My time at Oxford was both challenging and inspiring, and it has played a key role in shaping my career ambitions.
What have you been up to since the internship?
I have been invited to join the Academic Foundation Programme at the Royal Devon University Hospital, where I will complete my academic and clinical training. I have also presented research internationally, receiving the Young Investigator Award for my research exploring ethnic disparities in burn injuries.
In April 2026, I will undertake my medical elective in Kathmandu, Nepal, where I will gain experience in burn care in a new healthcare setting. I hope to continue developing this work in the future, contributing to research and clinical initiatives that address health inequalities globally.
Alia Ahmed
Tell us about yourself
I am a fourth-year medical student at Brighton & Sussex Medical School. I am currently intercalating in management at Imperial College London to broaden my knowledge of healthcare systems. Beyond research, I have a strong interest in plastic surgery, especially in the field of reconstruction and I hope to specialise in this in my future training.
What was the scope of your research?
Last summer, I had the opportunity to undertake a research project in Oxford exploring ethnic disparities in routes to breast cancer diagnosis in the UK.
What specific skills did you focus on developing during your time here?
Using large datasets, I analysed variables such as deprivation index, region and comorbidity to see how these intersect with ethnicity and diagnostic pathways. Working with statistical programmes such as R gave me hands-on experience in managing and interpreting large datasets, which was both challenging and rewarding.
What stood out most was how much non-clinical factors such as socioeconomic disadvantage can influence access to timely diagnosis and, ultimately, outcomes for patients.
Beyond the data analysis, how did the internship influence your future career plans?
This project deepened my awareness of health inequalities and the importance of addressing them within clinical practice. Presenting my findings to peers and supervisors was a highlight, as it sparked thoughtful discussions about future directions. Overall, the experience has reinforced my commitment to research alongside a future surgical career.
What have you been up to since the internship?
Following my internship at the Cancer Epidemiology Unit, I have continued to participate in research and I am currently doing a project on implementing value-based healthcare in general practice.