30/09/2022
1st - 31st October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As you may know in October of each year people all over the world show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Each day around 150 women are diagnosed and each year around 390 men are diagnosed (Cancer Research UK). To help raise awareness about prevention, the importance of early diagnosis, experiences of breast cancer and to raise funds where possible, we are asking if you can be more involved this year compared to previous years given that breast cancer in the UK is the most common. The good news is that around 66% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for 20 years or more.
Below are a number of links that provide lots of resources and suggestions to help plan activities you may wish to arrange within your department:
https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/do-your-own-fundraising/target-your-fundraising
https://coppafeel.org/order-our-materials/
https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/living-beyond-breast-cancer/life-after-breast-cancer-treatment/coping-emotionally/your-mental-health-toolkit
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/
https://www.wearitpink.org/all-downloads
One of our colleagues Donna Jackson, Senior Lecturer in History & Archaeology has very kindly put a blog together of her experience - My Breast Cancer Story
I’ve always had sensitive skin and so didn’t think too much about it when I noticed that I had a bit of a rash on my left ni**le. I kept meaning to go to the doctor, just to get it checked, but I was sure it was nothing and just one of the normal rashes or eczema patches that I got, especially as I’d checked my breasts and couldn’t find any sign of any lumps. So the weeks slipped by.
Then, in May, I was called for my first mammogram. I didn’t really know what to expect and was a bit excited if I’m honest, because I know how important these things are. I got ready in the little changing area and went into the x-ray room to meet the radiographer. She took one look at my breasts and told me, there and then, that she was going to refer me for further investigation. She was concerned, she said, by the rash. I explained my skin sensitivity and she told me that, in that case, I should go to the GP straightaway because I probably only needed some cream to treat the eczema. However, just to be on the safe side, she was still going to refer me because, although she was 99% sure it was nothing, it was better to be safe than sorry. She did the mammogram – which was uncomfortable but OK – and I headed off to the GP.
My doctor agreed that she was 99% sure it was eczema, gave me some cream and told me to go back in two weeks if the rash hadn’t cleared up.
It didn’t.
Two weeks later I was back at the doctor, and a few days after that I was at the Linda McCartney Centre in Liverpool for further investigations. The staff there are wonderful and they explained that breast cancer can present in many forms, including just as a rash. They were 50% sure it was nothing – I did note that the 99% had now slipped to 50% -- but wanted to do further tests and a biopsy if I agreed.
Of course I agreed! The 99% chance of ‘nothing’ that became a 50% chance of ‘nothing was now ‘something.’
On June 5, I had a ni**le biopsy. My definition of pain changed that day!!! The warning sign came when, just in administering the anaesthetic, the doctor told me that it would be very painful and told me that they didn’t care if I screamed or yelled abuse, but please could I try not to hit them. I thought this was quite amusing until the needle went it. She hadn’t been kidding!! And no, I didn’t hit them. I think I just whimpered quietly.
The tests and biopsy showed that I had a lump in my ni**le. At this stage, the biopsy suggested that it was an adenoma – a non-cancerous tumour – but it had to come out because it could develop into something more serious. The operation took place a few days later, and a more detailed biopsy confirmed that it was, indeed, an adenoma and no further treatment was required.
I am one of the lucky ones – the very lucky ones -- and I know it.
On June 11, as I was waiting for the first biopsy results, I wrote this:
“So here's the thing. On Monday, I find out if I've got breast cancer or not. This wasn't a "just in case" test. There is a non-cancerous explanation for problem with my breast, but the doctor also prepared me for the very real possibility that it might be something more serious. The good news is that it looks as if it's a type of breast cancer that's totally treatable with an operation.
The main lesson here is, ladies, do NOT think that you are wasting your doctor's time. Do NOT be embarrassed to show off that odd little rash. If there is anything that looks slightly odd, then GO TO THE DOCTOR!! You could be saving your own life! That isn't being overly dramatic. That's the plain and simple truth.
This is going to be a tough three days. I veer between being absolutely fine and having mini meltdowns. Thank you to those friends who have been through something similar and have sent me lovely supportive messages explaining that what I'm feeling is 'normal'. And thank you to those of you who have reminded me that I'm not on my own, despite feeling desperately isolated right now. Your support really does mean the world to me.”
Seven years on and my mammograms and self-examinations are all clear. But I do pay more attention to rashes and eczema patches! The lesson remains the same though: if there is anything that looks odd, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed or worry that you’re wasting anyone’s time. Go to the doctor and get it checked! And tell all your friends to do the same!
What a brave lady and thank you Donna.
Donna has also said that she is happy to talk if anyone wants to contact her, her email address is: [email protected]
Another brave lady is Sandra Lawson and she is fundraising for Prevent Breast Cancer, her story and fundraising information is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sandra-Lawson2?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched&utm_content=aafb9696-4e79-40a4-839e-ca714ad459f3&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postoffice&utm_term=1664135231285
This is a worldwide annual campaign taking place in October, involving thousands of organisations, to highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Now aim to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness and funds to help support our life-saving research and life-changing support.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month do something great – make life-saving research happen by supporting wear it pink. For more information on the wear it pink campaign please click on the following link:
https://www.wearitpink.org/about/breast-cancer-awareness-month
For information on the support services available for staff please visit Our Healthy University pages in particular, the Employee Assistance and Occupational Health tile; Keep Well tile; and Manage Well tile.
We’re going all out to raise money, raise awareness and make sure people affected by breast cancer know we’re here for them this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
