October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – You Are Not Alone

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October and is a time to raise awareness, show support, and highlight the importance of early detection. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with 1 in 7 women diagnosed during their lifetime. While it is far less common in men, it can still occur. 

Here in the Frimley Health and Care area, around 700 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Behind each of these numbers is a person, a family, a story, and we want you to know that you are not alone, help is here for you. 

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can feel overwhelming, but there are teams of people ready to guide and support you every step of the way.  

Frimley Health NHS Trust has:  

  • Our Macmillan Information & Support (I&S) team who offer advice on everything from emotional support to practical help and advice over the telephone and email. Face to face information and support is available at the Macmillan Information and Support Centres at Frimley Park and Wexham Park hospitals:  

Frimley Park - Tel: 0300 613 0181, Email: fhft.macmillaninformation.fph@nhs.net 

Wexham Park - Tel: 0300 615 4886, Email: fhft.macmillaninformation@nhs.net 

We work closely with local and national organisations to offer a wide range of support including: 

  • Look Good Feel Better – Wellbeing classes and workshops giving practical advice and support for women and men affected by cancer, held locally at Frimley Baptist Church or online www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk 
  • Sakoon Through Cancer – A local charity offering emotional and wellbeing support for people affected by breast cancer from South Asian backgrounds. www.sakoonthroughcancer.org 
  • 3 Counties Breast Cancer Support Group – a social and informal support group that meets monthly at Frimley Baptist Church, providing friendship and a chance to meet others with shared experiences. Email: jackiew@btinternet.com, Tel: 01344 774149 
  • Victoria’s Promise – A charity dedicated to supporting young women through cancer and beyond. In person support and services available at Frimley Park and nationwide through a private App. www.victoriaspromise.org 
  • Macmillan Welfare Benefits Advice Service managed by Citizens Advice Hampshire providing free, impartial and confidential information and advice on welfare benefits, money matters, employment and housing. Tel: 0344 847 7727, email: macmillansurrey@citahants.org.  
  • Breast Cancer Now – Moving Forward courses in Windsor, Guildford and online to help you adjust to life following treatment, plus support groups for people with secondary breast cancer www.breastcancernow.org 

Be Breast Aware 

During breast cancer awareness month, we also want to emphasise the importance of being breast aware; knowing how your breasts feel, what is normal for you and seeking help if you notice any changes. Participating in breast cancer screening is also vital as this can help find cancer before symptoms start to appear. Catching breast cancer early greatly increases the chance of successful treatment and recovery.  

If you’ve been invited for a breast screening, please attend — even if you feel well. 

  • Screening is offered every three years to women aged 50 to 71, but if you’re worried about any breast changes at any age, speak to your GP straight away. 
  • More information about breast screening is available on the NHS website. 

What you can do now:

  1. Check your breasts monthly, know what is normal for you, and get any changes checked. 
  2. Book and attend your mammogram when you are invited, every three years from the age of 50 to 71.  
  3. Share this information with friends, family, neighbours — awareness saves lives. 
  4. Reach out, call, email, join a group. Connection helps. 
  5. Don’t wait. If you notice changes in your breasts — lumps, skin changes, discharge or anything unusual — contact your GP immediately, no matter your age. 

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s talk, learn, support, and take action together. 

 

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