Recent graduate, Mary, chats to us about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how to get involved.
October 1st marked the start of 2022’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer form in the UK. In fact, almost 55,900 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK alone. That’s more than 150 people a day!
People all over the world are showing their support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Thinking of getting involved as a student? Here are some of the best ways to do so.
Be Breast Aware
The easiest (and most important) way to get involved this Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to understand the signs and symptoms. We all have breast tissue, and breast cancer can affect every type of body. Whether you’re a guy, gal, or non-binary pal, it’s vital you perform regular checks – this Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.
Remind Yourself to Cop a Feel
CoppaFeel! is a breast cancer charity founded in 2009 by Kris Hallenga and her twin sister Maren, after Kris was diagnosed with the disease aged 23. The charity aims to encourage young people to perform regular boob and pec checks and seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual.
One particularly handy little feature of their website is the option to sign up for free regular text and email reminders to perform self-checks. If you’re anywhere near as forgetful as me, this could be a lifesaver (literally). Follow this link to register. University of Worcester students can alternatively text UBT WORC to 82228 to receive similar notifications – more on these guys shortly!
Want to know more about the charity and Kris’s story? Check out Kris: Dying to Live, a feature-length documentary from the BBC. You can watch the trailer or request a free link to the full documentary here.
Join the Uni Boob Team
University of Worcester’s Uni Boob Team are a society that collaborate with CoppaFeel! to help spread their message and create an inclusive and chest-aware campus. You may have already spotted them spreading their boob wisdom around Worcester, hosting Magic Mike nights, bake offs and bingo events.
“Being a member of Uni Boob has not only allowed me to be part of an amazing cause and spread awareness, but it has enabled me to become a member of a community that celebrates diversity, love and positivity,” said the society’s current chair, Abi. “I would encourage everyone to join UBT!”
For more information on Uni Boob Team, or to join, visit their Worcester SU page. You can also keep up to date on future events via their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Think Pink on October 21st
Breast Cancer Now’s annual Wear It Pink day is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK. This year’s event falls on Friday 21st October, so be sure to reach for that nail polish or dig out that pink outfit in preparation!
Want to host your own fundraiser with your mates or society? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Set up a JustGiving page
- Hold a raffle
- Run a bake sale
- Host a quiz
- Get active
To sign up and access free fundraising resources, visit wearitpink.org
Hopefully this post has given you some ideas on how you can get involved in raising awareness for breast cancer this month. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that your health is extremely important all year round. Be mindful of your breasts, and check for changes regularly!
All of the information in this post was correct on it’s publication date 14th October 2022
Worcester Student Life 