Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust (LCH) is working with a range of local partners to support greater ‘breast care awareness’ during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

The Trust will be providing a series of events across the city throughout October to help educate women on how to be more ‘breast aware’ and spot the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Although survival rates are improving, over 50,000 people continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. That equates to around one person every ten minutes – making it one of the most common forms of cancer.

Throughout the month, the Public Health Team will be running a series of Breast Cancer Awareness Roadshows where members of the public can pick up information and advice on breast care, and chat to health specialists about any concerns they may have.

The roadshows will also offer free mini relaxational massages, and an opportunity to talk to breast cancer survivors and staff from local cancer support charity, Liverpool Sunflowers. You can access the roadshow at any of the following venues and times:

• Tuesday 14th October – Kensington Neighbourhood Health Centre

• Thursday 16th October – Childwall Neighbourhood Health Centre

• Tuesday 21st October – Mere Lane Neighbourhood Health Centre

• Thursday 23rd October – Picton Neighbourhood Health Centre

• Friday 31st October – South Liverpool Treatment Centre

(All of the roadshows will take place between 9.00am – 11.30am).

In addition, on Wednesday 15th October, there will be a Breast Cancer Information Event at the Rosie Child’s Centre between 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm, to coincide with World Mental Health Day, highlighting how women experiencing mental health problems can be at greater risk of developing breast cancer.

The team will also be hosting Breast Cancer Awareness Drop-in Sessions on Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th October between 12.00 – 4.00pm at the new NHS Health Information Centre on Hanover Street. These sessions will offer short talks on being breast aware, UV scanning, and on-the-spot advice from health professionals.

There will also be two further Breast Cancer Advice Sessions taking place with NHS health advisors at Boots in Clayton Square on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October between 11.00am – 1.00pm offering free information and advice to shoppers and passers by.

Liverpool Community Health will also be partnering with Liverpool Sunflowers, Big Love Sista, Community Health Ambassador Team (CHAT), and Boots in jointly hosting a Ladies Pamper Event for women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and their friends, family or supporters on Thursday 30th October at the NHS Health Information Centre between 4.00pm – 8.00pm.

The Ladies Pamper Event will offer a range of ‘feel good’ activities including free manicures, makeovers, mini massages, pinked themed cakes and refreshments, goodie bags, and an art exhibition featuring work created by cancer survivors as part of an art therapy project.

The event will also provide an opportunity for anyone affected by breast cancer to talk to survivors about their journey towards recovery, and to find out more about some of the free, local support services available to them in Liverpool.

 Joan Elmer, Chief Executive for local cancer support charity Liverpool Sunflowers, and a breast cancer survivor herself explains,

“Any cancer diagnosis can be absolutely devastating for individuals and their families, but during Breast Cancer Awareness Month we want to let anyone currently going through this experience know that they don’t need to cope alone.”

“Connecting with others and sharing our experiences at events like this can help to build a strong community in the fight against cancer, and this is particularly important here in Liverpool, where we still have some of the highest rates for cancer in the UK.”

Maureen Sayer, Health Promotion Specialist for Liverpool Community Health adds:

“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month many of our activities will also focus on reminding women how to spot the early signs of breast cancer, in order to give them the very best possible chance of beating the illness.”

“Although most breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 50, this October we really want to remind women of all ages to be breast aware, to take good care of their breasts, and to get into the habit of checking them regularly so that they can spot any unusual changes early.”

The main signs and symptoms to look out for include:

any changes in the usual breast shape or size
changes in skin texture such as dimpling, puckering, lumps or thickening of breast tissue
any redness or rash on/around the nipple or breast
inverted nipples or unusual nipple discharge
any unusual pain or swelling in the breast, arm pit or collarbone area.

If you do spot any unusual changes in or around the breast area, you should see your GP as soon as possible to get it checked.

For more information on breast cancer awareness, you can also drop into the NHS Health Information Centre on Hanover Street to speak to an advisor between 10am – 4pm Monday to Fridays, and some weekends.

Or for further support for anyone who has recently received a cancer diagnosis, please contact Liverpool Sunflowers on: 0151 726 8934 or visit: www.liverpoolsunflowers.com

Source: Liverpool NHS

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