Make sure you’re in the pink this October

Help raise awareness of the most common cancer in the UK

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes off, the charity Breast Cancer Care (BCC) is encouraging men, women and children throughout Courier Country to hold a Big Pink fundraiser to help BCC support women facing breast cancer.

Rona Grierson, community fundraising manager at Breast Cancer Care Scotland, says: “We are so excited that The Big Pink is back. We hope local people join us and host their own events.

“It’s vital that our services remain free and with your help this month, Breast Cancer Care can continue to provide emotional care, support and information to those who need it.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and around 60,000 people are diagnosed with it each year, while approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

“The disease mainly affects women over 50 – eight out of 10 breast cancers are diagnosed in women of this age group,” explains Rachel Rawson, clinical nurse specialist at BCC.

“The good news is that more people survive breast cancer than ever before. Almost two thirds of people (65%) survive beyond 20 years.

“The main risk factors are not in our control – getting older and being female.

“But lifestyle choices like eating a wellbalanced diet, taking regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can all help to slightly reduce your risk of the disease,” Rachel continues.

And realising that recovering from breast cancer can also be challenging and traumatic, BCC’s Moving Forward three-week course starting on October 27 at the Lochgelly Centre in Fife will provide women in Courier Country with information, support and professional guidance on how to cope with and adjust to life after treatment.

For more information, email movingforward@breastcancercare.org. uk or call 0345 077 1895.

If you have any questions about breast cancer, call Breast Cancer Care’s Helpline free on 0808 800 6000.

From a simple dress down day at work or a fun night in with friends, it’s easy to get involved with Big Pink on October 14.

Sign up for your free fundraising kit at www.breastcancercare.org.uk

The main risk factors are not in our control

October will see thousands of women – and men and children too – helping to fight breast cancer.