It’s October and it’s #Breastcancerawarenessmonth.
Did you know?
- 1 in 7 women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Around 400 men are diagnosed every year.
- Around 2,300 women are diagnosed aged 39 or under.
- In females aged 25-49, breast cancer is the most common cancer, accounting for more than 4 in 10 (44%) of all cases in 2014-2016.
*Statistics from Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now
Now more than ever it’s important to keep those boobs in check (girls, boys and non-binary pals) because even though the statistics show that Breast cancer (80%) occur in women over the age of 50, you’re never too young to check those boobs.
What to look for?
You should be checking on your boobs monthly, get to know your normal and what signs to look out for. Only 29% of women aged 18-35 years old check their boobs monthly. (*Statistics from CoppaFeel! annual research December 2019)
- A new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
(From NHS website)
If in doubt, get it checked out!
Your doctor is the only person who can refer you for further examination so we encourage people to visit their doctor after a week of monitoring the symptom if it doesn’t go away.
Make a change
How can you make a difference to the lives of those and potential others affected by breast cancer?
Check yourself on the regular and make it a habit
Whether you’re in the shower, the toilet cubicle at college or on the sofa, make the effort to get to know your boobs and live your breast life. Get monthly reminders!
Encourage your mates to do the same.
Remind your friends to check themselves and to check in with their bodies.
Educate yourself and scream about it on social media
Read up on the signs and help spread the importance through social media.
Donate!
Donate if you can to charities that target breast cancer or the families of those affected. Your money could go a long way.
Spend your cash
A lot of companies sell clothes, jewellery and merchandise with profits going straight to breast cancer charities.
Show your support
Charities such as coppafeel spread awareness of breast cancer all year round, so like, share and follow.
