[This article discusses cancer]
The importance of self-examination for cancer is a real lifesaver and Sixth Form students have attended a vital presentation about the topic. Sixth Form student Lorna gives us some of the facts from the presentation and writes about the event:
Today we were visited by Emma from CoppaFeel who took the time to give us a talk about breast cancer. Affecting both men and women, breast cancer is a topic that should be talked about more, so the fact we had the opportunity to have this conversation was amazing. Emma taught us how to check for signs of breast cancer, as well as sharing her own, personal experience of breast cancer and how it affected her life.
The talk was brilliant and very informative and we were given very clear steps to take on how to look out for anything out of the ordinary. It was also very enlightening on the statistics about breast cancer like the fact that one in seven women and one in 830 men are affected by it. Knowing how common it is highlights the importance of being educated about the early warning signs in order to help reduce the risk of developing late-stage cancer. By catching cancer, you are significantly more likely for it to be treatable and to be dealt with quickly. Last year alone 18,942 women were diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of attending breast screening check-ups. Self-examination is also another precaution we can all take, along with the knowledge that we can go to a doctor and be listened to if we think something is not right.
There are many reasons however, for people to not want to get treated even if they are concerned. One of the main reasons is fear of the possibility of breast cancer. Emma talked about her personal journey and empathised with the women who felt afraid.
At the start of the talk Emma asked us how confident we felt in our knowledge of breast cancer on a scale of one to five. The average was a two or three. By the end of the assembly, 95% of the audience were on a five. A very positive result.
Having CoppaFeel at our school gave us confidence and helped bring down the barriers that make breast cancer such a taboo topic. Although many people feel uncomfortable talking so openly about what is normally considered a personal and private matter, Emma carried out an anonymous Q and A. This meant that people could feel they could ask questions without the need to do it publicly. This helped everyone to feel reassured in their questions as Emma broke down myths and explained some of her personal circumstances which helped us to understand the process more.
CoppaFeel have an amazing story and work closely with the public to provide information, support and awareness about breast cancer. They particularly campaign with children in schools to get people to start checking early for signs – if anything does feel different, it can be stopped in its tracks!
So far in 2024, the Boobettes, as the presenting team are known have signed up many people for their text reminder service which sends out reminders to check yourself every month. They have encouraged an estimated 15,218 people to get on board and to get to know their own normal. So don’t be shy, join today!
Lorna, Year 12 Student