Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Find out how Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is harnessing the power of 80s nostalgia throughout October.

Do you remember...?

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is using nostalgia to get people aged between 50 and 71, who are reluctant or first-time breast screening invitees, to make or attend a screening appointment.

This is being achieved through a campaign in which people who remember growing up in the 80s are reminded of their youth and encouraged to book a screening. 

The 'Do you remember...?' graphics will be shared on social media and even displayed on large digital display screens in Anlaby Road and Beverley Road, Hull, plus a static display screen in Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby.

Breast screening

The NHS offers screening to save lives from breast cancer.

Screening involves an X-ray test called a mammogram, which finds breast cancers early, when they are often too small to see or feel. 

Some people are put off mammograms because they are often uncomfortable, and sometimes painful. But a mammogram appointment takes less than 30 minutes, and the mammogram itself only takes a few minutes – as long as it takes to make a cup of tea.

Screening saves lives as cancers can be diagnosed and treated earlier than they would have been without screening, often before you can even see or feel any changes to your breasts yourself.

Videos

Alice's story

Alice Wilson, 32, from York, North Yorkshire, had been undergoing IVF treatment when she was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump. Here, she points out how early detection greatly improves survival rates.

Gemma Barlow’s advice

Gemma Barlow, Breast Nurse Practitioner at York Hospital, North Yorkshire, explains the symptoms of breast cancer.

Alison’s story

Alison Cooper, 48, from Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, had been suffering breast pain for some time, before visiting her GP. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now well, but wishes she had gone to her GP sooner. 

Sam Lee’s advice

Sam Lee, Deputy Superintendent Radiographer at Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, talks about breast screening.

Signs and symptoms

If you are a woman:

– a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
– a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (which may look like orange peel), or redness (which may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
– a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
– nipple discharge, if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, which may have blood in it
– a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted) or a rash, which may look like eczema.
– pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away. Breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom 

 

If you are a man:

– a lump or swelling in your chest or armpit
– liquid leaking from your nipples, which may have blood in it
– changes in the size or shape of either side of your chest
– sores or ulcers on your chest
– a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted) or a rash, which may look like eczema. 

Spreading the word

Cancer Alliance volunteers will be involved in awareness activity sessions at community spaces.

The Cancer Champions programme will be running bite-sized breast cancer education sessions to raise awareness about the disease.

Super-size screening Snakes and Ladders

The Cancer Alliance is once again taking its supersize version of Snakes and Ladders on the road.

The game, created by Emily Lunn from Hull York Medical School (HYMS) highlights the barriers and facilitators to attending an NHS breast screening. Emily received funding from Yorkshire Cancer Research.

“This game is not just for women aged 50-70 who are invited for breast screening, it is for everyone. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about breast screening openly. We also want to highlight there are ways to overcome some of the challenges, and for them to raise awareness of breast screening with the women in their own lives."

Get involved

Breast cancer awareness will be spread across the Cancer Alliance’s social media channels too. Follow the Cancer Alliance on Facebook and X to help share the messages.

You can find contact information for support groups in our region for breast cancer and other forms of the disease here.

If you have you experience of cancer, either as a patient or as a carer for someone who has been diagnosed with the disease - we want your help.

The Cancer Alliance is recruiting Patient and Public Representatives. By joining our ever-growing team, you could help improve cancer services across Humber and North Yorkshire.

Find out more - buff.ly/3Wx2s3Y.