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Raising Awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Know your Symptoms & Get Involved
Breast cancer impacts the lives of people across the globe daily, with current statistics stating that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 alone. Moreover, this disease was responsible for 685,000 deaths globally in the same year. Given these incredibly high figures, in addition to the fact that there have been 7.8 million women diagnosed with breast cancer in the past five years, this represents the world’s most prevalent cancer. Even if all behavioural choices and related changes that could reduce the risk of developing breast cancer were adopted, this would only reduce the risk by at most 30%. Therefore, research on screening and treatment are crucial in providing the best outcome for patients. Keep reading to find out what you can do to look after your own health and raise Breast Cancer Awareness in Birmingham.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Although treatment can be highly effective, there is currently no cure for breast cancer. However, thanks to campaigns, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the large amount of money raised has meant that survival probabilities of 90% or higher following a diagnosis are achievable.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October, all over the world, to show support to everyone affected by this disease. Getting involved and raising money has never been easier; if you head over to the Breast Cancer Now page, there is heaps of information on events going on near you, fantastic charity products you can purchase, and in-depth news on breast cancer research progress. The awareness campaign also seeks to raise awareness for breast cancer in men which, while rarer, can still occur. Therefore, it is important that we are all aware of our bodies and what to do when we notice a change, however small.
How can I help spread Breast Cancer Awareness in Birmingham?
Living in the Midlands? There are a number of events you can get involved in for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Birmingham, such as:
The big pink tour bus
First up, we have the big pink tour bus. This event aims to spread awareness up and down the country, with the bus offering beauty services and one-to-one chats with a breast care nurse for women who are going through, or have been through, breast cancer. In partnership with Victoria’s Secret and the breast cancer charity Future Dreams, this event offers support to patients directly, in addition to their partners, husbands, friends and family.
Wear it pink day
Then, we have wear it pink day. Although not specific to Birmingham, this event occurs across the globe on Friday the 22nd of October. Wear it pink day was started in 2002, with over £36 million being raised since then. So, go get your pink tops, your feather boas or even a pair of pink socks and get involved this October to raise money to help provide more life-changing care, and fund more world-class research.
You can find out more about how to get involved this month here:
How can I spot the symptoms of breast cancer?
Besides raising funds for breast cancer research, this month aims to spread awareness on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, teaching and encouraging both men and women to check their bodies. CoppaFeel gives a step by step guide on how to thoroughly check yourself:
– Look for changes in skin texture, e.g. puckering or dimpling.
– Look for swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone.
– Feel for lumps and thickening.
– Are there any constant and unusual pains in your breast or armpit?
– Look for nipple discharge.
– Look for a sudden or unusual change in size or shape.
– Look for a rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area.
If you, or someone you know, is affected by breast cancer, you can access the Breast Cancer Now website for support, as well as any of the resources above:
King’s Pharmacy is always here for you. You can find out more about how your local pharmacy can help you below.
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This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
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