October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Macmillan Cancer Support is urging the public to learn about the signs and symptoms of the UK’s most common type of cancer and signposting people affected by cancer to where they can find local support. The Macmillan mobile service is stopping off in the West Midlands on from Monday 5th October to Thursday 8th October. No appointment is necessary, and anyone is welcome. A team of information and support specialists will be on board to offer free, confidential, advice and support to anyone with a concern or a question relating to any aspect of cancer and its treatment.
Details of the visit:
- Monday 5th October 2015
Dudley, Stone Street Square, DY1 1NS
10am to 4pm
- Tuesday 6th October 2015
Birmingham, Victoria Square (outside Town Hall), B3 3BD
10am to 4pm
- Wednesday 7th October 2015
Oldbury, Halesowen Street, B69 2AJ
10am to 4pm
- Thursday 8th October 2015
Smethwick, Windmill Retail Park, B66 3PR
9am to 3pm
The charity says that every year, around 41,826 people across England hear the devastating news they have breast cancer. But it’s not just and old age disease, earlier this year new data also highlighted that around 66,500 women are living with breast cancer who were diagnosed before the age of 45.
Sian Cunningham, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the unit, says, “This new data shows that we all need to be vigilant when it comes to breast cancer. The good news is that around 84% of women are living beyond five years after treatment thanks to improvements in early diagnosis and treatment. However, each of these people will require support to deal with the long term effects of breast cancer and its treatment and take back control.
“As with all types of cancer, the earlier it is detected and the sooner it is treated the better the outcome is likely to be so it’s as important as ever that people know the signs and symptoms to look out for. Despite survival rate being generally high, over 11,700 women are still dying from breast cancer in the UK every year. Men should also be aware of what to watch out for – whilst very rare in males, they still account for 1% of those diagnosed.”
Some of the symptoms which can be indicators of breast cancer include;
- a lump in the breast
- a change in the size or shape of the breast
- dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue
- a nipple that’s turned in (inverted)
- a rash (like eczema) on the nipple
- discharge from the nipple
- swelling or a lump in the armpit.
If you have any of these symptoms, get them checked by your GP. Although in many instances they will not be cancer, it’s important to get checked out as early as possible, because early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
Sian continues, “The mobile team are here to help with any questions you may have about any type of cancer, whether it’s about you, a relative or friend, come on board the bus and talk to us or call Macmillan. We can also help signpost you to local services who will be able to provide you with ongoing support.”
Our six mobile information units travel around the UK visiting local communities, providing cancer information and advice on the ground. Last year they helped an average of 90 people a day in over 668 locations.
Cancer is the toughest fight many people will ever face, and the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many people experience make it even harder. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you cannot visit the unit when it comes to the West Midlands but have questions about cancer, or want to find out more about signs and symptoms of breast cancer visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00.
