ACTIVISM

October 2, 2024

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the UK is an annual campaign that takes place every October to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected by the disease. It aims to educate the public about the importance of regular screenings, understanding symptoms, and encouraging people to seek medical advice if they notice any changes in their breasts.

Throughout the month, various charities, health organisations, and communities run events such as fundraising walks, pink-themed days, and educational sessions. These activities help to raise money for breast cancer research, patient support, and treatment innovations.

Key symbols of Breast Cancer Awareness Month include the pink ribbon, which is widely recognised as a symbol of support for those affected by breast cancer. Many organisations encourage people to wear pink or participate in “wear it pink” days to show solidarity and raise funds for research and care initiatives.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important in driving public health initiatives and encouraging early detection, which significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Aside from genetic mutations, what are known risk factors?

Honestly, that’s a tough one. Most known risk factors are out of your control, things like earlier onset of periods, going through menopause later, and not having children. Smoking appears to make breast cancer more likely in premenopausal women, and there is some evidence that drinking alcohol is a risk factor. There is ongoing research into the impacts of diet, and whether it’s protective to eat a low-fat diet, and into environmental factors, but the evidence isn’t conclusive.

What can women do to prevent breast cancer?

Basically, try to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, don’t smoke, don’t drink to excess — all good general health advice of course — but don’t obsess about breast cancer prevention because fear is so self-defeating. It’s not a great motivator.

Checking your breasts regularly is an important way to become familiar with how they normally look and feel, so you can identify any changes early. Breast self-examinations can help you spot signs of potential problems, including breast cancer. Here’s how to check your breasts:

When to Check

Frequency: It’s recommended to check your breasts once a month.
Timing: For women who menstruate, it’s best to check a few days after your period ends, as your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender. If you’re postmenopausal, try to choose a set date each month for consistency.

What to Look For

Changes in size or shape of one or both breasts.
Visible lumps or swelling in the breast, armpit, or collarbone.
Skin texture changes like puckering, dimpling, or redness.
Nipple changes such as inversion (turning inwards), discharge (especially if it’s blood-stained), or a rash.
Persistent pain in any part of your breast or armpit.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

A. In Front of a Mirror:

Step 1: Stand with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides. Look for any visible changes such as differences in size, shape, or symmetry.
Step 2: Raise your arms above your head and check for the same visual changes. Pay attention to any bulging, dimpling, or puckering.
Step 3: Put your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Check for changes, especially around the breast edges.

B. In the Shower:

Many women find it easier to feel changes when their skin is wet and slippery.
Step 1: Raise one arm and, using the opposite hand, gently press down on your breast with the pads of your fingers in a circular motion.
Step 2: Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side—from the collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Step 3: Feel for lumps, thickening, or any unusual hardness.

C. Lying Down:

Step 1: Lie down on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.
Step 2: Use the pads of your left fingers to move around your right breast in a circular motion. Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel different tissue layers.
Step 3: Repeat the process on the other breast.

What to Do If You Find a Lump or Change

If you notice any unusual changes, don’t panic—most lumps or changes aren’t cancerous. However, it’s important to contact your GP as soon as possible for further evaluation. Early detection improves the chances of successful treatment.

Regular self-checks complement, but do not replace, professional screenings like mammograms, which are also crucial for early detection.

Finally, it’s important to keep breast cancer in perspective. Heart disease is far and away a much bigger killer of women. Take care of yourself, but don’t live in fear of breast cancer.

What can you do to spread awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Print | Posters To Spread Awareness In Your Work Place

Get Involved | Prevent Breast Cancer’s Charity Events

Write | Share Your Story As A Story Of Hope

Wear Pink | Get Involved And Wear Pink!

Share | Spread ‘Breast Cancer UK’s message on Social Media

Donate | There are plenty of charities that have donation pages on their website!

MERCH THAT MATTERS

Buying charity merchandise helps in several ways:

Fundraising for the Cause: The primary reason charity merch exists is to raise funds.
Awareness and Visibility: Wearing or using charity merchandise helps spread awareness. When people see the brand, logo, or message on the item, it can spark conversations and increase the charity’s visibility, potentially attracting more donors or supporters.
Showing Support and Solidarity: By purchasing and wearing charity merch, you’re showing public support for a cause. It can help create a sense of community among supporters, making people feel more connected to the cause.
Encouraging Others to Get Involved: When others see your support, they may be inspired to contribute as well. Your purchase serves as a subtle endorsement, encouraging others to learn more about the charity or even buy the merch themselves.

In short, charity merch offers a way for people to support a cause both financially and by raising awareness.