Date: 1 October 2009
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Usdaw is reminding its reps and members of the union’s own health booklets which take a comprehensive look at women’s health.
General secretary John Hannett is backing
the national campaign. “Cancer can tear families apart. Obviously
early detection is crucial and that’s why information on what to
look out for is so important.” On this page we reproduce advice on
breast cancer and some of the facts and figures behind it.
Be breast aware
Most cases of breast cancer are found by
women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative and visiting
their doctor. The earlier that breast cancer is found, the better
the chance of beating it - so you can see how important it is to
make regular checks.
Being breast aware simply means knowing what
your breasts look like normally, being on the look out for any
unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor.
Lumps are vital to look out for - but there
can be other important signs too. And even if you do find a lump,
in nine out of ten cases they turn out not to be cancerous.
Look and Check
- Examine your breasts. Can you feel anything
unusual?
- Look for changes. Is there any change in
shape and texture?
- Check anything unusual with your
doctor.
No one knows your body better than you and
everyone will have their own way of examining and looking for
changes - there's no special technique and you don't need any
training. It is good to get in the habit of doing this regularly -
maybe when you're in the bath or shower, or while getting dressed
in the morning.
Young or old
Whatever your age, it's good to get in the
habit of checking.
The risk of breast cancer increases with
age, so if you are over 50, you'll get an invitation for free
breast screening every three years, which you should definitely
take up. And remember, if you're over 70 (or you know someone who
is), you are still entitled to free breast screening - just ask
your doctor.
Usdaw have a downloadable range of leaflets
that have further information on issues like Cervical Screening,
Ovarian Cancer and Breast Care. Members can order copies of the
Women in Usdaw health leaflets from the stationery department.
You may also want to take a look at one of our approved
companies UNAT which offers Usdaw members a Well Women cancer cover
policy.