Image credit: Numed Healthcare
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we’re telling breast cancer to “guac off”
Early detection
Unfortunately, we don’t know enough about the causes of breast cancer – the best way to take control is early detection.
There’s a really great chance of recovery when it’s caught in its early stages. The earlier, the better.
In fact, according to Cancer Research UK, over “90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer at the earliest stage survive their disease for at least 5 years compared to around 15% for women diagnosed with the most advanced stage of disease.”
#guacoffbreastcancer
Everyone’s breasts look and feel different, so it’s important to get to know what yours feel like normally, then it’s easier to spot any changes.
Take a look at the avocados showing you what signs and changes to look out for. If you notice anything unusual, get yourself to the doctor and get it checked.
Change in texture
A breast lump can sometimes cause changes in your skin. Skin that’s usually smooth might become dimpled or puckered (like an orange-peel).
Change in size or shape
Sometimes a breast may become larger or lower than the other one.
Inverted or asymmetrical nipples
A nipple may change direction or become inverted.
Skin rash or crusting
Keep an eye out for any new rashes, itching, discomfort or crusting on and around the nipple.
Bumps and lumps
Check for lumps or swelling in the breast, armpit or upper chest, that don’t go away. Take notice if it’s tender or painful, and of its size so you can see if it grows.
Continuous pain
Pain can be quite common around your period, but take notice if you feel a constant ache and twinges in the breast or armpit.
Nipple discharge
Note if there is an unusual nipple discharge – this might be milky, clear or bloody.
Colour change
The breast may become inflamed or red in colour.
The more that know what to look for, the more lives we’ll save. Share with the hashtag #guacoffbreastcancer.
A few ways you can get involved in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Donating to breast cancer work isn’t the only way to help this October, you can:
Wear pink
Join Breast Cancer Now on 18th October 2019 and wear pink! Wear It Pink brings everyone together for one day, all with the same mission – to wear pink, raise awareness for breast cancer, fundraise and simply help make life-saving breast cancer research possible.
Wear pink at work, school or throw a pink themed party!
Volunteer
You don’t need to run a marathon to help the fight against breast cancer. Find the right opportunity to suit you; volunteer at an event, become a campaigner with Breast Cancer Now, or you could even raise awareness by sharing your own personal story.
Get in touch with your MP
MPs are our voice in parliament. They can help by joining the ‘All Party Parliamentary
Group on Breast Cancer’ – a collection of MPs and Lords who all work on breast cancer affairs.
Or, they can become a Breast Cancer Ambassador and agree to work with Breast Cancer Now in Parliament to help make sure each person with breast cancer will live.
Don’t be afraid to contact them with your story, or why you feel passionately about breast cancer awareness. Find out more here.
Setting up a meeting, emailing or calling your MP on this topic will help to encourage them to campaign for improved standards of care.
Get hashtagging
Share the hashtag #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth or our new one #GuacOffBreastCancer, on your social media accounts, along with pictures and ways to check your breasts. This simple act helps to alert your followers about prevention with early detection.
Buy pink fashion
Some of the biggest fashion brands from Ralph Lauren to New Balance, support breast cancer charities by donating a percentage of their profits to the fight against cancer.
In 2000, Ralph Lauren launched the Pink Pony Campaign to help ensure quality cancer care for underserved communities and reduce disparities in care across all cancers, including breast cancer.
Loads of brands get involved in October, so keep an eye out.
