Breast Cancer Awareness Month

On top of being the month of warm sweaters and pumpkins, October is known as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is known for its pink theme colour. According to the studies, this is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer among them all. 

The UK researchers have shown that Breast Cancer or Chest Cancer (as it is called by some men, trans men or non-binary people) occurs in 80% of the cases in women over 50, and that most men who get this type of disease are over 60 years old. About 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK.

Given this is a special month, we at allbranded want to encourage everyone, both men and women, to get regular screenings, and most importantly, this article is aimed at employers to highlight the importance of taking care of their employees' health. Inspire your co-workers and staff to take care of themselves and their loved ones.

Here are some tips and tricks on how your company can make a significant difference when it comes to this sensitive topic.

Do the Research

Regardless of gender or role, before you open a discussion about this topic. We recommend you do a bit of research on the subject. Read at least a few articles so that you can speak confidently about this topic and understand in-depth information and most importantly, you can understand a little better the struggles of cancer patients.

Talk Confidently About This Topic

The next step is talking confidently about this topic. Yes, we know these conversations can be awkward sometimes, but in the grand scheme of things, a short awkward conversation could potentially save someone's life. We encourage companies to start from upper management and encourage conversations about this topic, as well as urge their fellow female employees to get tested regularly.

Another important chat should be with both sides of the family about the family history. Find out if anyone in your immediate family has ever suffered from a hereditary disease and bring that up with your medic. You can also talk to a doctor about your risk of breast cancer to find out if you're at a higher risk.

Encourage People To Get Screened

The next step is to encourage women to get tested regularly. It is traditionally said every person should get yearly screenings and mammograms, as well as check themselves regularly. A healthy breast is a tender non-painful one, lacking lumps or bumps. Talk to a doctor about which screening tests are right for your if you're at a risk.

Traditionally, it's recommended to have a clinical breast exam every 3 years, if you're over 20, and every year if you're over 40 years old. Find our more about breast self-awareness at Susan G. Komen, an organisation meant to educate and answer all your questions. 

Encourage Healthy Habits

Encourage healthy habits at home as well as in the office, such as:

• Providing healthy smoothies for your staff;
• Encouraging the consumption of healthy beverages;
• Cutting down on alcohol intake;
• Cutting down on coffee and drinking more water;
• Getting standing desks for your employees;
• Encouraging them to be active and play sports;
• Offering ergonomic chairs for everyone whether in the office or remote;
• Have sunlight and plants for in the office for a good atmosphere;

Donate To The Cause

Last but not least, each and every single donation counts. So go ahead and donate to cancer research organisations regardless of how big or small your company is. It will make a difference. This October, we also wanted to make a difference. To show how important this topic is to us, we partnered with Susan G. Komen to donate a total of £800 for the month of October.

This is a topic close to our hearts, should you have questions or requests, feel free to contact us via email at info@allbranded.co.uk