Think Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in order to raise vital funds for cancer research, Breakthrough Breast Cancer have released their new campaign; The Great Pink Bake Off.

As many as 1,000 women die each month of breast cancer within the UK so not only is this a great opportunity to fire up the ovens, pop on your apron and whip up something delicious in the kitchen, it is also a great way to help support life-saving research.

On Friday 18th October simply gather your friends, family and colleagues to bring their baked goodies and ask everyone who attends to make a donation. If 18th October doesn't work for you then you can hold a Bake Off anytime, anywhere, during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

It's a piece of cake!

Jane Asher, Great Pink Bake Off ambassador, says: "Everybody knows someone affected by breast cancer – so I'm urging everyone to join the Great Pink Bake Off on Friday 18th October and get baking to help support this fantastic organisation.

Simply ask your friends and family to bring their homemade treats, make a donation and decide whose bake is best. As well as having lots of fun, it'll be satisfying to know that all the money you raise will go towards Breakthrough Breast Cancer's vital work. Do join me: sign up today and help us save lives."

Visit pinkbakeoff.org or call 08080 100 200

Being breast aware is as simple as TLC: 

TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual? 

LOOK for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture? 

CHECK anything unusual with your doctor

You can text SIGNS to 70500 to get their free credit-card sized TLC (Touch Look Check) guide. Not only does the TLC guide detail the key signs and symptoms of breast cancer, it also includes information about what to do if you notice anything unusual. Its handy size means women can keep it somewhere useful, such as in a handbag or on the nightstand, that will act as a helpful reminder to check their breasts.

You can also purchase a variety of products here: http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/shop

10% is donated for every item you buy.

Will you be joining in with the Great Pink Bake Off?

Touch, Look, Check

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with most women (98%) being unable to identify 5 signs of breast cancer, now is the time to raise awareness and encourage women to give their boobs some TLC (Touch, Look, Check).

Breakthrough Breast Cancer has released a handy guide which you can request via text or their website so that wherever you are can identify the symptoms and signs when checking your breasts. You can also request a reminder email on their website so you don't forget to check and download the free iBreastCheck app for iPhones!


My story
I check my breasts every few weeks for changes and towards the end of 2010 I found a lump in my left breast. That scary moment in the shower will always be remembered but not down to a feeling of fear but due to my inner strength. I didn't panic and instead I decided to seek advice. Rather than worrying about it being something serious I booked an appointment with my GP to find out if it really was something serious.


I was examined and referred to the hospital. The GP assumed it was just a cyst but until I knew for sure there was no way my mind would be at rest. At the hospital they examined me again, I had a scan and then a biopsy under local anesthetic.  It wasn't painful (I was rather scared beforehand about the procedure) and when they revealed a few days later that everything was fine I was thankful, I also felt proud of myself for taking that step to get checked out.


What are the signs?


Lumps - They may not be visible but you may be able to feel one.

Change in skin texture - look for dimpling and puckering

Discharge from the nipple

Crusting or a rash

Changes in the nipple direction or appearance


How many of these did you know? If you experience any of these you should visit your GP as soon as possible. Don't put it off, it could save your life!



A video on checking your breasts...

Finding breast cancer early could save your life. Know the signs, text TLC to 84424* for your free handy TLC guide from Breakthrough Breast Cancer, or register at www.tlcguide.org.
*Standard networks apply