BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
‘DON’T BE AFRAID TO SELF-CHECK AND SEEK HELP’
Federation Deputy National Chair Tiff Lynch was diagnosed with breast cancer in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic and has been vocal about highlighting the importance of self- checking and seeking immediate medical intervention.
Tiff said: “I will never forget the date. It was 9 July 2020. I was surfing Twitter and saw Jackie Beltrao talking about the importance of self-checking. I thought I should do it too and found two pea-sized hard lumps. At the time, like most women, I did not know how aggressive it was or at what stage I had discovered it. I also did not know what I should do next but I was resolute about fighting it.
“Self-checking is very important in the fight against breast cancer and we must overcome fear and worry associated with it. Because only when you check and find something can you get timely medical help. When you get to know your breasts any changes will be easier to spot.
“Sometimes it may not be just unusual lumps and bumps as the signs could be change in colour, change in
• Breast Cancer Now is promoting Wear It Pink Day. On 21 October
shape or discharge from the nipple. These are also clear indications for seeking medical intervention. “Contact your GP as soon as you have found something that you think is not normal. No doctor is going to question you if you consult them for something that turns out to be harmless.
“It should also be remembered that 80 per cent of lumps that are found are benign but it’s imperative for peace of mind and a self-check does not take more than a minute.”
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
thousands of people across the UK will wear pink to raise funds for breast cancer research and support those affected by it. For more information visit
www.wearitpink.org
• Breast Cancer UK is promoting ways to change your lifestyle, and increasing
the amount of physical activity you do significantly reduces the risk of getting affected by the disease. They are organising a Pilates Movement Challenge and a Halloween Family Yoga Workshop to help you achieve a workout routine. For more information visit
www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/ breast-cancer-awareness-month
BE BREAST
CANCER-AWARE It is important to know that breast cancer does not discriminate according to gender – anyone can develop this disease. According to the NHS, the first and most common noticeable symptom of breast cancer is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in the breast. Although most breast lumps are not cancerous, it is always a good idea to have them checked by a doctor. You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:
• A new lump, bump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that
• A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts. It is normal to
was not there before.
have two breasts that are not exactly the same size, and breast size can
There is no right way or wrong way to check your breasts, says the NHS. But it’s important to know how your breasts usually look and feel. That way, you can
• A discharge, fluid or unexpected bleeding from either of your nipples.
• A lump or swelling in either of your armpits.
• An eczema-like rash, crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around
rash, or a feeling of heat or redness.
• A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into
your nipple.
your breast or a change in the nipple’s position.
fluctuate, especially with hormonal changes, but a noticeable change in one or both breasts is worth further investigation.
• A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering, dimpling, an unusual
spot any changes quickly and report them to your GP. Regular self-examination is one of the best tools we have to detect the early signs of breast cancer and get treatment as soon as possible. When self-examining, find a position that is comfortable. For example, it may be easier to do this in the shower with soapy hands or while lying on a bed. Using a mirror is useful for spotting changes, such as those in the look and feel of the skin. Be thorough – be sure to feel each breast, your armpits, the area around each breast and up to your collarbone.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme has produced a five-point plan for being breast aware: 1. Know what’s normal for you. 2. Look at your breasts and feel them. 3. Know what changes to look for. 4. Report any changes to a GP without delay. 5. Get your breasts screened routinely if you are aged 50 to 70.
31 | POLICE | OCTOBER 2022
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
