BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
AWARENESS MONTH: A CALL TO ACTION FOR POLICE OFFICERS
BREAST CANCER As the month of October rolls around, it’s a time when we wear pink,
participate in fundraising events and, most importantly, come together to raise awareness for a cause that affects millions worldwide
Here in the UK, Breast Cancer
Awareness Month provides a vital opportunity to focus on early detection, education, and support for those affected by the disease. Whether you’re a male or female officer, cisgender, transgender, or non-binary, breast cancer can touch anyone, and understanding how to protect yourself and your loved ones is crucial. The story of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month begins in 1985 as a weeklong campaign organised by the American Cancer Society
in-chief of SELF magazine, and Evelyn Lauder, Estée Lauder’s senior corporate vice president, who was herself a breast cancer survivor. Today, that pink ribbon is recognised worldwide, signalling a month
there’s hope, thanks to advances in medicine, screening, and education, more than 75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer today will survive for over 10 years. This is why raising awareness and encouraging early detection through regular screenings is so vital - it saves lives. One of the most important messages of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the importance of checking your breasts regularly. Understanding what is normal for your body will help you notice any unusual changes early. Breast cancer doesn’t always come with a lump; it could be a change in the size or shape of the breast, a rash, or an unusual sensation. Checking your breasts once a month can be a lifesaving habit. If you notice anything unusual, don’t
“It’s also essential to remember that breast cancer awareness and prevention isn’t just for cisgender women. Transgender and non-binary people should also be mindful of their breast health.”
in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company that made tamoxifen, a key drug used in breast cancer treatment. It was a humble start, but the message resonated globally, eventually growing into a month-long event. In 1992, the now-iconic pink ribbon
became the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness. The ribbon’s debut was led by Alexandra Penney, editor-
16 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2024
dedicated to life-saving conversations, fundraising efforts, and a collective push toward a future free of breast cancer. For police officers and everyone in the UK, the numbers are striking. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the country, with more than 150 new cases diagnosed each day. Every 10 minutes, someone in the UK hears the devastating words, “You have breast cancer”. But
wait. Schedule an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. This applies to everyone, not just women. Men, while far less likely to develop breast cancer, are still at risk and should remain vigilant. It’s also essential to remember that breast cancer awareness and
prevention isn’t just for cisgender women. Transgender and non-binary people should also be mindful of their breast health. Those assigned female at birth, even after transitioning, may still be at risk of breast cancer and should continue to monitor for any signs. For those who are not sure which screening is appropriate for them, many organisations, including Breast Cancer Now, provide guidance
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