National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This entry was posted in General October 17, 2022

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Pink Month, is held each year throughout October. Every year, countries around the globe participate in the annual campaign to educate those affect by the disease by increasing awareness of early identification, signs and symptoms.

This year, Ableworld is helping to raise money and awareness of the disease by hosting a variety of events held in-store and at Head Office, such as bake sales and tuck shops.

Did you know?

In 2020, breast cancer became the most diagnosed type of cancer in the world; every 10 minutes a women in the UK is diagnosed with breast cancer. It's the most common cancer for women in the UK with statistic reporting that 55,000 women are diagnosed each year and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Leading healthcare professionals encourage both men and women to check for changes in the breast or sings of the disease on a monthly basis, as it's important that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms. 

What to look out for?

Usually there is a good chance of recovery if the disease is detected at an early stage, which is why it's vital that everyone checks their breasts regularly for changes. Some of the more common signs of breast cancer are:

• A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
• A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
• A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
• A nipple change, for example it has become inverted
• Rash or crusting around the nipple
• Unusual discharge from either nipple
• Changes in size or shape of the breast

Everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes. Get used to checking regularly and be aware of anything that's new or different for you. Check your whole breast area, including up to your collarbone (upper chest) and armpits.

If you're worried about breast health or breast cancer you can speak to our breast care nurses for free by calling 0808 800 6000 or by email.

 

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