Time to THINK PINK!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month when we’re all encouraged to be more breast aware. Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day or ‘BRA Day’ will also take place in a few weeks’ time when the focus will be on the many methods and benefits of breast reconstruction.

– Carolyn Atkins reports.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month when, once again, all kinds of activities will be taking place to improve our knowledge and understanding of breast cancer and help those affected by this terrible disease.

It is estimated that one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and with around 55,000 women and 370 men diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK, it’s no wonder that charities, companies and individuals are all doing their best to raise recognition of the disease and the importance of catching it early.

Some charities, such as CoppaFeel!, focus on educating everyone about the importance of checking their whole breast area – that is, the upper chest and armpits – regularly for potential indications of breast cancer, such as any signs of change, whether lumps, swelling, indents or redness, for example. Making checking our breasts or pecs a lifelong habit could save lives, as the sooner signs of breast cancer are spotted, the earlier the people affected can be treated. While some institutions focus on preventative measures or research into the disease, others are keen to help those facing surgery and possible breast reconstruction to ensure that they have as positive an experience as possible during such a difficult time.

There are vast, nationwide charities devoted to researching the causes, effects and treatment of cancer, such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Breast Cancer Now, while other regional charities, such as The Big C, with branches and shops throughout Norfolk, Little Lifts and Wymondham-based Star Throwers, work hard in their areas to support those affected by cancer too.

At Keeping Abreast the focus is very much on breast reconstruction and on helping those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who have discovered a hereditary breast cancer gene, and who are facing or considering reconstructive surgery.

This niche breast cancer reconstruction charity started life in Norwich in 2007 and provides peer-to-peer support to those choosing or considering breast reconstruction following a breast cancer diagnosis or discovery of a hereditary gene such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2. By talking to other people who have been through the process and finding out what the results of real-life surgery actually look like, those weighing up the prospect of breast reconstruction can go into the process with their eyes open, having had the chance to make an informed decision about their own personal situation. There are times when breast reconstruction is not the right option, due to weight issues, age or smoking, for example, or sometimes patients simply can’t face further surgery, and Keeping Abreast is there for them too.

Keeping Abreast was established 14 years ago by patients Anna Beckingham and Beverley Birritteri and Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist Ruth Harcourt, who still works at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. They recognised a need for women, both newly diagnosed with breast cancer and facing the possibility of a mastectomy, and women further down the line who are considering reconstructive surgery, to be able to meet and talk to others who have been through similar experiences. As highlighted earlier, this allows people to make an informed decision about the sort of breast reconstruction that is right for them.

Of course, Covid-19 put paid to face-to-face meetings, but the charity kept going through the pandemic by offering support by telephone, email and WhatsApp as well as via Zoom. Keeping Abreast HQ also put on numerous ‘Zoom Speaker Sessions’ with speakers on all kinds of breast reconstruction-related subjects such as the different types of breast reconstruction surgery, resilience before and after breast cancer and how to alleviate anxiety. These presentations are also available online at: www.keepingabreast.org.uk

Those who have undergone breast reconstruction surgery themselves will know that there isn’t a one-fits-all solution. Each patient needs to be assessed individually, according to what type of breast cancer they have and where it’s located and then their plastic surgeon and breast care team will let them know their options.

Sometimes breast reconstruction can be immediate ie. surgery to remove the breast cancer can be performed at the same time as surgery to reconstruct the new breast/s, but it’s often the case that these elements will be performed separately and that there will be a considerable wait between them.

The Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t helped the situation either, with record numbers of people currently on hospital waiting lists and hospital departments often rushed off their feet. As a consequence, Keeping Abreast HQ, in Little Melton near Norwich, has handled an increased number of enquiries lately from those anxious about their prospective breast reconstruction surgery and how long it will be until that takes place.

Keeping Abreast can put those facing breast reconstruction in touch with others who’ve been through reconstruction themselves so they can explain what that experience was really like. The charity has a bank of registered volunteers who have had different experiences and undergone different types of operations who are willing to talk to others about their surgery and recovery, so that they can help them to prepare both emotionally and physically for their own operations and, hopefully, alleviate their concerns.