Breast Awareness & Education

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we teamed up with leading women’s health technology company Hologic to launch the “It’s Time” campaign in Greater Manchester with a pop-up event in Asda Eastlands Supercentre. The event aimed to raise awareness of the disease among time-poor women and highlight the importance of attending breast screening appointments when invited. Every year, 420 women in Greater Manchester die from breast cancer, and research has found a strong link between deprivation and an increased incidence of cancer. In Manchester, 60% of breast cancer patients are from the most deprived groups. “It’s Time” aimed to encourage women to put themselves first when it comes to their health and make time for breast screening.

All women in the UK between the ages of 50 and 71 are eligible to attend a breast cancer screening appointment. Research shows that 78% of women put off scheduling routine health appointments because they are too busy taking care of other family members’ health. To help educate women on the importance of attending routine screening appointments, volunteers handed out 420 single-stem pink roses with a postcard attached to let women know they are appreciated and encourage them to take the time to go for breast cancer screening if eligible. The postcards provided details on where to find out more information and urged women to attend screening if eligible. Volunteers also encouraged people to pass on a flower to a loved one to help raise awareness. The event also featured a large display of flowers in the shape of breasts to create a ‘stop and stare’ moment.

Volunteers from Prevent Breast Cancer with experience of breast cancer, along with workers from the Greater Manchester screening engagement programme Answer Cancer, were on hand to answer questions from women about what to expect from their appointment and to alleviate any concerns. Yasmin Haque, Prevent Breast Cancer Ambassador, said: “After my experience of breast cancer, I urge the women of Greater Manchester to regularly check their breasts and know what’s normal for you. If you have any concerns, then speak to your GP. When you receive your NHS invitation to attend breast screening, don’t ignore the letter; ring and book your appointment. Early detection is key. It could save your life.”

Nikki Barraclough, Executive Director at Prevent Breast Cancer, commented: “The screening process is crucial to identifying breast cancer in its earliest stages. Prediction, prevention and early detection are at the heart of the work we do here at Prevent Breast Cancer. We make it our mission to better educate everyone on the benefits of screening and try to dispel any fears or misconceptions. We’re excited to be out in the local Manchester community to raise awareness of the importance screening plays in saving women’s lives.”

The local campaign also included Facebook posts targeting women in Manchester, posters and bus stop displays, all highlighting the importance of taking time to attend routine breast screening appointments. Hologic donated £10,000 to the charity, which will help fund future campaigns aiming to address health inequalities.