As Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes off, the charity Breast cancer care is encouraging men, women and children all over Courier Country to hold a Big Pink to help Breast Cancer Care support women facing breast cancer.
From a simple dress down day at work or a fun night in with friends, it’s easy to get involved. Anything goes… as long as it’s pink! Join the charity on October 14 or choose a date to suit you. Sign up for your free fundraising kit at www.breastcancercare.org.uk/thebigpink
Rona Grierson, community fundraising manager at Breast Cancer Care Scotland, says: “We are so excited that The Big Pink is back, we hope local people join us and host their own events.
“It’s vital that our services remain free and with your help this month, Breast Cancer Care can continue to provide emotional care, support and information to those who need it.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and around 60,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, while approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
“The disease mainly affects women over 50 – eight out of 10 breast cancers are diagnosed in women of this age group,” explains Rachel Rawson, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care.
“The good news is that more people survive breast cancer than ever before. Almost two thirds of people (65%) survive beyond 20 years.
“The main risk factors are not in our control – getting older and being female. But lifestyle choices like eating a well-balanced diet, taking regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can all help to slightly reduce your risk of the disease,” she continues.
Recovering from breast cancer can also be challenging and traumatic, and this is where Moving Forwards, a special three-week course starting on October 27 at the Lochgelly Centre in Fife, proves valuable. the course will provide information, support and professional guidance on how to cope with and adjust to life after treatment. For more info or to sign up, email movingforward@breastcancercare.org.uk or 0345 077 1895.
If you have any questions or concerns about breast cancer, call Breast Cancer Care’s Helpline free on 0808 800 6000
Keep abreast of the facts
Most women have one breast larger than the other.
A woman’s breasts change size and shape many times during her life, due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and breastfeeding, the menopause and putting on or losing weight.
Nipples come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
Breasts can weigh as much as three bricks!
Wearing a well-fitting bra is vital and Breast Cancer Care have a free booklet available – Your guide to a well-fitting bra available online.
Breast cancer also affects men, but it’s rare – around 340 men are diagnosed each year.
It’s not just about looking out for a lump. There are many signs and symptoms of breast cancer to be aware of, including a nipple becoming inverted, a change in the size or shape of the breast and dimpling of the skin.
There’s no ‘correct’ way to check your breasts. Do it in a way that’s comfortable for you, in the shower, or getting dressed, and make sure you check under your armpit and all the way up to your collarbone too. If you notice a change, see your GP as soon as you can
