This article contains content relating to physical illness which some readers may find upsetting
With November upon us, we begin to enter that awkward period between Halloween and Christmas; closing the October chapter and shifting into the wintry months. The pumpkins, the fancy dress, the burnt orange leaves falling from the trees – but we should not be closing the chapter on breast cancer awareness.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) was first launched in October 1985, as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, aiming to promote mammograms as the most effective tool for fighting breast cancer. The movement was initiated with the help of former US First Lady, and breast cancer survivor, Betty Ford – her title enabled more traction for the movement.
Today, the fight against breast cancer continues: people are running marathons and donating to charity with the aim of progressing research to combat this disease. However, one month, out of a twelve-month year, hardly seems enough…
In the UK, data shows that 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it is the most common form of cancer in the UK. 1 woman is diagnosed every 10 minutes, but men can be diagnosed with this illness too, despite it being less common (with 400 male cases vs. 55,000 new cases in women each year). However, even 1 case a year is enough to shout about it from the rooftops. No one person deserves to, or see someone they love, fall victim to this disease. Still, there remains so much information so few people know about…
While this illness can be preventable, it still rips away a heartbreaking number of innocent lives from their loved ones every year. With that being said, here you can find some tips on spotting signs, prevention, and early diagnosis. Some signs include, but are not limited to, the following:
· A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
· Changes in the size or shape of your breast
· A discharge from the nipple when not breastfeeding
· Changes in the shape of the nipple
· A rash or redness on the skin of the breast
If you do notice something out of the ordinary, or feel concerned in some way, please contact your local GP to book a consultation. Early diagnosis greatly increases the likelihood of successfully treating the disease, and luckily, thanks to the incredible work of countless individuals, survival rates are on the rise!
With that being said, the UK government sends out invites every 3 years, for breast cancer screenings, to all women aged 50-71 in the UK, but it is still important to check your breasts, underarms and under your chin regularly, as breast cancer can show up in earlier/later ages too.
Additionally, if there is a history of breast cancer in your family, I would strongly recommend booking an appointment for NHS predictive genetic testing, just to check for the cancer risk gene. You will also be eligible for this if you have Jewish ancestry, as this can raise your chances of inheriting it. If you do find that you have the inherited gene, this does not guarantee you will develop breast cancer. However, finding it can help to offer different options for preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing it in the future. For more information on this, you can read on here.
Now, I know this is a lot to take in (and that few want to think about it), but being aware, and having a better understanding, can only help to keep us safe. All things considered, I am also a huge advocate for not living your life in fear, and that goes for this too. Keeping up with healthy lifestyle habits that work for you, making sure to do your quick monthly check, and doing a predictive genetic test if you qualify, can already help early detection and prevention.
So don’t let this worry you too much, the same way knowing about car safety wouldn’t either. Keep going out and gearing up for the Christmas markets – get excited for the cosy knits, festive movies and baking nights in! However, do let this serve as a useful message, with some gentle guidance, to help keep you healthy and happy in the long run.
You can find more advice and information here, and below is a list of trusted charities I would recommend looking into:
· MacMillan Cancer Support
· Cancer Research UK
· The Pink Ribbon Foundation
To anyone who has sadly met with this disease, from any perspective, I’m extending my empathy to you, and will leave more resources for support here.
Please spread this message to as many people as you can: breast cancer awareness month is every month, not just October.
