A new breast cancer roadshow will soon be coming to the Midlands to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The roadshow is particularly aimed at reaching women from south Asian, black and ethnic minority communities, as the charity has discovered that many don’t check their breasts regularly.
The bus will be visiting Coventry (12, 13 and 16 November), Birmingham (19 and 20 November), Wolverhampton (23 and 24 November) and Leicester (25 and 26 November).
Davinia Green, Head of Breast Awareness and Early Detection at Breast Cancer Care, says:
“We know that more than half of women from south Asian, black and minority ethnic groups don’t check their breasts because they don’t know what to look out for[1].
“Early detection is vital in providing more effective treatment and, ultimately, saving lives. Because of this lack of awareness, these women are less likely[2] to survive breast cancer when they are diagnosed. We must change this.
“All women should know the importance of checking their breasts regularly, feel comfortable doing so and know what changes to look out for.”
Breast Cancer Care staff and trained volunteers will be on board to provide breast health information and encourage women of all ages and backgrounds to get to know their breasts.
Breast health information booklets and audio recordings are available on-board the bus in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu. There is also an audio version in Punjabi.
Davinia adds:
“People can visit our bus to learn more about breast awareness or find out more about the signs and symptoms. All information and support is free and confidential, and there’s no need to make an appointment.”
The mobile service, funded through the Official Charity Partnership between Breast Cancer Care and The Football Association, is touring England until April 2016.
Every year around 42,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in England – that’s the equivalent of more than 100 people a day. This is predicted to rise to almost 50,000 by 2020[3].
For care, support and information from day one, call Breast Cancer Care’s Nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk
