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PINK FRIDAY 1 - Cop A Feel

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in the United Kingdom.  Every year almost 46,000 people are given the devastating news that they have breast cancer - that's one person every 11 minutes.

Over the next month I will be using my blog space on a Friday to coincide with Pink Friday from BreastCancerCare.org.uk  I will be posting some links that I hope you will find useful and some reader experiences in line with the Cancer - Your Story series.   PLEASE share these blog posts (there will be five in total) within your network.  You never know... someone may need this information.

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First and foremost, I believe we need to create self-awareness and know how to examine ourselves.  Here are some pointers from BreastCancerCare.org.uk:


How do I check my breasts?

There is no right or wrong way to check your breasts.  Try to get used to looking at and feeling your breasts regularly.  Remember to check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone.

What changes should I look and feel for?

  • Changes is size or shape
  • Changes in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling
  • Inverted nipple
  • A lump or thickening tissue
  • Redness or a rash on the skin/around the nipple
  • Discharge from one or both nipples
  • Constant pain in breast or armpit

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Use the 5-point code:

  1. Know what is normal for YOU
  2. Know what to look and feel for
  3. LOOK AND FEEL!
  4. Report any changes to your GP without delay
  5. Attend routine breast screening if you are over 50

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THE FACTS:
  • the biggest risk factor, after gender, is increasing age - 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50
  • more people are being diagnosed with breast cancer but survival rates are improving - probably as a result of improved treatment and earlier detection
  • breast cancer also affects men, but it is rare - around 300 men are diagnosed each year

THE STATS:
  • nearly 46,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK
  • just over 12,000 people die from breast cancer in the UK each year
  • breast cancer is the second biggest cause of death from cancer for women in the UK, after lung cancer
  • there are an estimated 550,000 people living in the UK today who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer
  • in women under the age of 35, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer
(thank you to Dr Emma Pennery, Clinical Director for providing this information)


For FREE, confidential support and information visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk 
or call their helpline on 0808 800 6000


CLICK HERE for fundraising advice and inspiration




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Related Links: 
Pink Friday 2 - I was the one in ten
Pink Friday 3 - Filofax Friday
Pink Friday 4 - Painting By Nipples
Pink Friday 5 - Is Your Bra Comfy?


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