Change and Check

When Helen Addis, a producer for ITV breakfast programme, Lorraine was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2018, she started the ‘Change and Check’ campaign to show women how to check themselves for signs of breast cancer. Since the campaign was launched, more than 15,000 Change and Check posters and stickers have appeared in changing facilities throughout the UK and at least 18 women have received early diagnoses of breast cancer as a result of the campaign.

One of those women is Royal Mail’s very own Rachael Wellbelove, a postwoman of 23 years from Bordon Delivery Office, who discovered she had breast cancer after watching a clip about the campaign on the Lorraine show in May last year.

Aged 43, Rachael was too young to undergo a mammogram. The NHS breast screening programme invites all women aged between 50 and 70 for screening every three years. You need to be registered with a GP to receive the invitations.

After watching the programme, Rachael checked her breasts and found that one breast was firmer than the other. She then booked a visit with her GP and shortly afterwards, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Rachael has now completed chemotherapy and after two operations is currently undergoing radiotherapy.

Press play to watch a short segment featuring Rachael on the Lorraine programme.

The Change and Check posters reminding women to check for the symptoms of breast cancer are in thousands of changing rooms nationwide. Click here to download one today. The aim is simple: to get as many women as possible checking their breasts for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.