Wear it Pink

This Friday, people across the UK are taking part in ‘Wear it Pink’ – raising money in the fight against breast cancer. Whether it’s pink wigs, pink shirts or pink pyjamas, offices and schools around the country are getting involved in the fundraising initiative for the UK’s biggest breast cancer charity – Breast Cancer Now.

It’s the most common cancer in our country with over 50,000 women diagnosed in the UK each year, and around 4,600 in Scotland. Statistically, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime, including Nicki's sister, Tracey.

On a more positive note, fundraising initiatives like Wear it Pink and other awareness campaigns are making a difference. Treatments are working better than ever and with more women (and men) detecting the disease early, more and more people are surviving. More than 80% of women with breast cancer in the UK are still alive five years after diagnosis.

Of course it’s important to stress that men can also be affected by breast cancer, although it’s far less common than in women. Around 350 men are diagnosed in the UK each year and even though it’s a much smaller number, it’s still important to raise awareness in both sexes.

So, what are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and how should you be checking your body for them? According to Breast Cancer Now, it’s a case of TLC – Touch, Look and Check.

No one knows your body better than you and everyone will have their own ways and methods of touching and looking for changes – there’s no special technique and you don’t need any training. It’s good to get into the habit of doing it regularly – perhaps when you’re in the bath or shower, or while getting dressed in the morning.

First of all, you want to touch and feel if there are any noticeable lumps or bumps, or any unusual aches or pains in the area. You want to check the breast, armpit and upper chest for this and the lumps may not be seen but may be felt.

Then you should check for any changes in texture, colour, size or shape, including dimpling or puckering. The direction of the nipple can also change due to breast cancer and may become inverted. Statistically, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Other visual symptoms include rashes, crusting or discharge around the nipple area, and red or inflamed breasts.

The idea behind TLC is to make people more breast aware. Most cases of breast cancer are found by women and men noticing unusual changes and visiting their doctor to get them checked. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of beating it – so it’s important to check yourself regularly!

Breast Cancer Now’s ‘Wear it Pink’ campaign has raised over £30million since the first event back in 2002. To take part, all you have to do is wear something pink to the office or to school, and register online and donate to the charity. You could even do a pink themed quiz, a raffle or anything else to raise a little bit extra money for this great cause.

So, this Friday make sure you get involved and help to continue to fight against breast cancer, and one day we’ll be able to beat this illness once and for all.

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You can find out more about ‘Wear it Pink’ and Breast Cancer Now by visiting their website which is packed with leaflets and information.

You can also view their key facts and tips on checking and recognising the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in this leaflet.

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Local business Tay Medispa is getting involved in ‘Wear it Pink’ on Friday 20^th October, with a kind gesture for those living with cancer.

They will be reducing the cost of their two specialist treatments for cancer patients – the iS Clinical Care Harmony Facial and Massage for People Living with Cancer – by 50% and furthermore, all of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Now.

Tay Medispa offers specialist therapeutic treatments for those battling cancer and the company’s director, Simon Langford, is passionate about, “making sure that people with a cancer diagnosis can still enjoy the benefits of relaxation and alternative therapy.”

The discount will remain in place for the remainder of October and anybody living with cancer is welcome to enjoy the treatments and benefit from the reduced rates.

For more information, contact Tay Medispa on 01738 451567, at info@taymedispa.co.uk or visit their website.