Every year around 11,500 women and 85 men die from breast cancer in the UK and since it was launched in 1985 we have celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October. Intended to encourage women to get regular mammograms and be aware of the dangers of breast cancer, events, parties and lunches have been hosted across the globe; and tomorrow Medway rugby football club is holding a ladies lunch to support the cause.
Celebrating their 90th season, the club is hosting 120 guests at their charity lunch and rugby match on Saturday. President of the Medway club, Mark Marriott, says that he is ‘delighted to host a very worthy cause’ while organiser, Sheila Dance, hopes the event will continue to grow being so personal to her.
She said; “I sadly lost my sister in 2012 to breast cancer, so it was obviously a cause very close to my own heart. We started it up in 2013 with 36 women, to, two years ago in 2019 we actually had over 140.”
Nearly everyone attending the event has been affected by cancer in some way and Sheila excels at bringing the community together.
“We’ve had women attend over the years who’ve actually been undergoing treatment at the time and then come back the following year when they’re in remission. It’s good to see the success stories,” she said.
Nearly 85% of women outlive breast cancer by up to five years, therefore life can be prolonged, and lived to its maximum with the help of fundraisers like Sheila’s at the rugby club.
Money raised throughout Breast Cancer Awareness month can also fund the advancement of treatment, and help people get diagnosed early so the cancer can be hit before it becomes too aggressive or spreads. Charity’s like ‘CoppaFeel’ encourage women to get checked and be aware of their natural bodies, so they can be aware of a change. This service is vital. In October last year a research charity, Breast Cancer Now, found that almost half of women in the UK did not check their breasts regularly for potential signs of cancer. One of these women was Sarah Dixon.
Sarah’s story began when she was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at just 33 years old. It’s said that 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime, but Sarah never imagined she would be par of that 50 percent.
She said; “It was the fear of not being able to live and have fun with the people that I loved the most anymore, it was the fear of not being here, of missing out on life because of something that I didn’t have any control over and maybe I could have more control over. I think that was the biggest thing I struggled with.”
For Sarah, her journey started with mild symptoms, she felt tired in the months leading up to her diagnosis. A visit to the doctors assured her it was nothing serious, a sinister explanation was never discussed or explored. Then, while staying at her mum’s house with partner Jake, Sarah discovered a lump, but with the help of her dog Larry, and the phenomenon that is animal instinct.
By sharing her story, she inspired people to get themselves checked straight away, with early detection being so vital.
“It could save your life, quite frankly, because if I had left mine a couple of weeks later I don’t know if I would still be here, that’s how aggressive it was. I was very lucky,” Sarah said.
After a year of preparing for the worst, in 2018 she got the news she was in remission. But Sarah had to adjust to getting her future back.
She said; “I think a lot of people are confused with the fact that, the day you’re told you’re in remission, you can go on and live your life, is probably the best and the hardest day ever, because you don’t know how to deal with what you’ve just been through.”
Sarah is now able to share a vital message to every single woman she inspires, to check your breasts, know your body and make a point of getting yourself seen by a doctor. Reflecting on the diagnosis that changed her life entirely, Sarah treasures not only her future and the time she has to enjoy it, but understands the pricelessness of good health.
Breast cancer can take a hold of anyone, even younger women, like Sarah. She urges everyone to check their breasts regularly and head to https://coppafeel.org to understand, be aware and notice changes in your body.
Here are some more helpful websites and charities you can visit online. If you were affected by this story or are going through something similar, you can find support at these various websites too. This article ends on one crucial piece of advice, whoever you are; know your body, check yourself regularly and contact your doctor with any concerns.
Macmillan Support Line: 0808 808 00 00
https://www.pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk