It’s as simple as TLC
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organisations, to highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. One in eight women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Currently, more than 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK.
Men can also get breast cancer but it's very rare. Around 390 men are diagnosed each year in the UK, with the majority aged over 60.
Although more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before, around 1,000 women die every month in the UK.
Our chances of developing breast cancer depend on a combination of factors including, abnormal genes, age, lifestyle choices and the surrounding environment. Although you can’t change many of the things that affect your risk, such as your gender or family history, measures such as limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, can all help lower the chances of the disease developing.
It’s vital that you check your breasts regularly. Remember, everyone’s breasts are different - there’s no special technique and you don’t need any kind of specialist training. But, the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment.
It’s as simple as TLC:
- TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual?
- LOOK for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture?
- CHECK anything unusual with your doctor
Click here to find out more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and learn what changes to look out for.
Help is at hand
Visit www.breastcancernow.org or www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer for further information.
Support is also available 24/7 from the First Class Support helpline on 0345 266 5060 where you can obtain confidential and practical lifestyle advice as well as direct access to counselling services.
The Feeling First Class website has useful health and lifestyle advice. Visit www.feelingfirstclass.co.uk (use code FFC1 to register).
In addition, our in-house charity, the Rowland Hill Fund, can offer financial aid to colleagues, pensioners and their families in times of need. Call 0345 600 4586 or visit www.rowlandhillfund.org.
