Health workers are fighting to bridge a cultural gap which leaves many Asian women to face the trauma of breast cancer alone.

The initiative to recruit more volunteer support workers follows the release of startling figures on the disease's effect within the Asian community.

The national Breast Cancer Care group said that one in ten Asian women in Britain contracts breast cancer at some point in her life. And the group revealed it was the single biggest killer of Asian women aged between 34-50.

It is now appealing for Asian women who have experienced the disease to act as volunteers to advise and support newly-diagnosed sufferers.

Jane Walker, BCC's Volunteer Support Officer, said: "Although general awareness of breast cancer in Asian communities has improved in recent years, for many Asian women a diagnosis of breast cancer can be particularly isolating largely due to cultural and language barriers."

The drive is being supported by the Bradford-based Pennine Breast Screening Unit, which said the take-up of breast screening appointments among Asian women tends to be lower than for the rest of the population.

"There are many cultural and language problems which we are working hard to overcome," said Diane Lowes, of the unit.

She said in areas with large Asian populations and where less then 70 per cent of 50 to 64-year-olds had taken up breast screening - such as parts of Manningham and Barkerend - staff had visited women to try to break down barriers.

"We have spoken to younger Asian women so that they can try and help spread this vitally important message," she said.

Mrs Lowes said that older Asian women often did not speak English or read their native language and were therefore reliant on their family.

Breast Cancer Care is extending its existing Asian Volunteer Network scheme through which free practical advice and emotional support is offered.

Mrs Walker said the volunteers, who all had experience of the disease themselves, could talk in person or over the telephone. She added that the hotline service - on 0808 800 6000 - was completely confidential and featured an interpreting service so that calls can be taken in any language.

Anyone wish to become a volunteer should contact Jane Walker on (01904) 670573.