Breast Cancer Awareness Month
25 Oct 2023
Raising awareness of breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. The goal is to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness, checking their breasts and chest, and most importantly seeking help if they have concerns.
Why is it important to be breast aware?
Checking your breasts regularly for any unusual changes can help discover breast cancer early. It’s important to recognise when something’s not right. If you find changes in your breasts that are not normal for you, speak with your GP as soon as possible.
Attending your breast screening appointment is really important: breast screening can help to find small changes in the breast before there are any other signs or symptoms. Early detection may mean simpler and more successful treatment. Find out more about breast screening in Greater Manchester.
Transgender and non-binary people and breast cancer
Everyone has breast tissue and people of all genders can get breast cancer. Regular self-checking for everyone, regardless of gender is essential. There are many resources available to offer guidance on checking your breasts, such as this short video check your breasts.
It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to get checked with your doctor if you have concerns. Prevent Breast Cancer advise on useful tips and advice on attending a breast/chest screening appointment. Macmillan Cancer Support provide cancer screening information for transgender and non-binary people to learn more about what types of screening are right for you.
Breast cancer in men
Around 400 men a year in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer: breast cancer in men is often discovered later, so it is vital that more men become aware of the causes and signs of breast cancer and what they can do to reduce their risk of getting this disease. The first symptom of breast cancer that men may notice is a painless lump under the nipple or areola. If you are worried, there is more information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men.
Support
Peer Support Group for People Impacted by Cancer
The Peer Support Group for People Impacted by Cancer aims to support anyone who has been impacted by cancer in any way: as a sufferer, as a carer, or simply as a friend. This groupbrings together people in a safe and supportive environment to discuss and share experiences as well as signposting people to internal and external support which is available. If you wish to be added to the confidential LISTSERV, then please contact equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk
Peer support: If you would like to be connected to another member of the group to chat about a particular aspect, then please message equalityanddiversity@manchester.ac.uk and they will send anonymised details to the group list.
Support for line managers supporting a colleague with breast cancer: our University has guidance and information available on how to support a colleague diagnosed with cancer.
Supporting someone with breast cancer
If a loved one or colleague has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a number of things you can do to help support them including practical support and emotional support. It is important to think about what support you might need when supporting someone with breast cancer.