Breast Cancer Awareness Month
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer through fundraising and activities. Beat Breast Cancer describes it as “the international campaign, held every October, that puts breast cancer back in the headlines for a month”. By having a dedicated month that highlights breast cancer awareness it ensures that as many people as possible are able to access information about symptoms and the importance of screening.
Signs and symptoms to be aware of
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and when you should seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
How to check your breasts
The NHS recommends checking your breasts every month. They suggest raising your arms and feeling around each breast in a circular motion, up to your collarbone and under each armpit. “Use a mix of light and firmer pressure. Do not press so hard it hurts. Feel around and over each nipple.”
Breast screening after 70
Despite the risk of breast cancer increasing with age, according to the UK government, women are only invited for breast screening up to their 71st birthday. That doesn’t mean screening isn’t available though, it just means you have to request it rather than be routinely invited. Speak to your GP surgery or local screening service.
How treatment affects daily life
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can make you feel as if your world has shifted. As well as the physical challenges that are to come, you may find it difficult to cope emotionally.
After surgery
Breast Cancer Now says “After surgery your breast or chest area is likely to be bruised and swollen. You may find this difficult to look at, but the bruising and swelling will improve over time.” You may struggle with your self-esteem or worry about your partner seeing your body, but sharing your feelings will make it easier to face.
Chemo and radiotherapy
Most people’s skin reacts to radiotherapy, which can make underwear and clothes uncomfortable. Cancer-related fatigue can also affect your daily life and make you not want to do things as you normally would. Chemotherapy can also make you susceptible to infection, plus cause nausea and vomiting.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy can cause menopause-like symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes. Talking to your treatment team is key whichever treatment you are having, as they will have come across similar symptoms before and will be able to advise you on how best to live with any unpleasant side effects.
Practical ways to support someone at home
There are many ways that family and friends can support a loved one living at home with cancer. Maintaining their routine and living as independently as possible will help them to maintain a semblance of normality in their everyday life.
Personal care
Loved ones will want to help in any way they can, but it’s important that they understand how careful they need to be if supporting with personal care. Skin and wound sites can be very sore during or after treatment and they will need to be extra careful.
Meals and appetite
Nausea and vomiting is a common side effect of cancer treatment which may make someone feel like they don’t want to eat. Eating small and often may tempt them to eat rather than offering larger meals, as well as calorie and protein-dense snacks.
Appointments
Getting to regular appointments when you aren’t well enough to drive can cause difficulties. Offering regular lifts or sourcing volunteers and setting up a rota may be all it takes to help them manage and reduce disruption to family life.
Emotional support
“Just being with your friend or family member and allowing them to tell you how they feel is one of the most important ways you can support them emotionally” says Breast Cancer Now. Being a listening ear may be all they need at that moment.
Looking after yourself as a family carer
Looking after yourself when you’re caring for a family member living with cancer is essential, as you cannot support someone else if you have no reserves of energy to use. Caregivers often forget to care for themselves, but it’s even more essential to ensure you’re eating well and getting appropriate amounts of rest when you’re giving so much for yourself to someone else. Even just going for a walk or meeting a friend for coffee can give you the recharge you need, meaning you’re ready to face another day. If there are no other friends or family members who can take over, sourcing respite care or occasional visiting care so that you get an hour or two to yourself, is essential. If you find you’re struggling physically, emotionally, or both, you should let a family member or friend know or have a chat with your GP.
Fitting Helping Hands care around a treatment schedule
Helping Hands can support every aspect of your cancer treatment schedule. Our compassionate carers will provide regular visiting support as often as you need it, or you can have live-in care so that you’re never alone at home.
Personal care and support during treatment
Our highly experienced and well-trained carers are aware of the challenges that living with cancer can produce. They will know how to approach your personal care so that you are comfortable and your dignity is preserved.
Nurse-led and complex care support
Our own team of clinical nurses manage and oversee all of our complex care packages, meaning your carer will be trained in every aspect of your treatment plan. You and your loved ones can take comfort from our approach.
Respite so families can take a break
Our respite care is available on both a visiting and live-in care basis, meaning your care plan will be designed around your daily routine. It’s vital that your family members get to take regular breaks so that they are fully rested.
FAQs
Checking your breasts is essential, as you are likely to notice any changes early. Checking every month will mean you can visit your GP for early detection if you’re worried.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout October 2026. Resources for fundraising and organised activities can be found on many cancer charity websites, such as Breast Cancer Now, Beat Breast Cancer and Macmillan.
Helping Hands can be by your side for every step of your cancer journey. We will help you at home on a physical and emotional basis, undertaking practical tasks and helping you come to terms with what you’re facing. We’ll support you to live well at home and make the most of your local community.
Knowing that you’re loved one is being properly cared for in your absence is the most reassuring thing for family caregivers. Arranging regular visiting care with Helping Hands, even if it’s just for an hour a week, will mean you get some time off and an opportunity to recharge your energy.
Yes, our own team of clinical nurses will ensure that your complex care needs are fully supported. Our carers that deliver complex support are carefully selected and trained by our nursing team, because they recognise their exceptional abilities for delivering the most complex care.