Breast Cancer Awareness: A Month of Hope

‘Miss You Already’ is a heart-wrenching story about the friendship of two women, Milly (played by actress Toni Collette) and Jess (played by actress Drew Barrymore). This film is based on the two main characters showing their original bond of two young, playful children later experiencing the adventures of adulthood together. Just like ‘besties’ they rode the waves of life hand in hand through all its highs and lows.

So what has this to do with Breast Cancer Care? For those of you who are familiar with this film you will know that as the film unfolds, Milly is given some disappointing, painful news; she is diagnosed with cancer whilst Jess continues her battle with fertility.

What was once one world in the wonderful playful life of children has now become two worlds colliding, both setting their own endings as adults.

A tale of hope, love and light-hearted humour makes way for us to identity with the growing reality of breast cancer and its un-foreseeable impact on lives.

You may have noticed more advertising and indications relating to breast cancer this month because October is ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ month. This is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

Cancer is one of the biggest killers on the planet. Some lives are spared whilst this disease instantly takes others.

“Cancer affects all of us, whether you’re a daughter, mother, sister, friend, coworker, doctor, or patient.” - Jennifer Aniston

Many individuals are still unaware of what breast cancer is and how to detect it. It is recommended the best time for a breast self-exam is between 3-7 days after your period, when your breasts are not swollen or tender. For this reason organisations such as the ‘National Breast Cancer Foundation’ (nationalbreastcancer.org) have an Early Detection Plan for anyone to set up at their choice. Please follow this link if interested: http://www.earlydetectionplan.org/

In order to raise further awareness for breast cancer different events are hosted weekly, monthly and yearly such as Race for Life, Pink Afternoon tea, Dress in Pink day at work, Pink Friday, Pink Saturday and many more. For this reason our team at Beautiful Faces held a Pink Saturday on the 3^rd October 2015.

All women from different walks of life joined together; sharing, connecting, encouraging and building hope all in the name of educating women on breast cancer, domestic violence, abuse, and self-harm.

Watch our quick slide show here: BFM Pink Saturday

Here at BFM we believe that ‘we are representing more than causes and organisations, we are representing families, friends and the world who are fighting against breast cancer, abuse, self-harm, stolen identity and much more.’

As the evening concluded, ladies left feeling more informed than before and smiling knowing of the support that is out there for them.

Heading back to our film ‘Miss You Already’, it touched on some amazing points that we all can take away with us in our daily walks amongst friends, family and those around us; so, what were these points? The things that kept both girls together were the strength of their friendship, love, support and hope. I think we can all agree that we can all do with each element of these great characters in our lives today.

Breast cancer is something that needs to be spoken about. It is not a journey to be walked alone. Talking helps and educating people on the matter can break fears.

Take time out this month to find out about ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’. Get checked and have the peace of mind, even if you have to do it afraid. You may even know someone who is fighting it or you may be battling with it yourself. Talk about it and hear each other’s stories. You may even be amazed at how your life can light a candle of hope for where there may be none and encouragement for the darkest moments.

Let’s share the word and spread a little hope this October. You never know who might need it.

“Hope is the physician of each misery.” - Irish Proverb

By: Stacey Spencer - BFM Writer

Click on the below links to find out more:

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/about-us/media/press-pack-breast-cancer-awareness-month-2015

http://wearitpink.org/about/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/campaigns/fundraising-for-breast-cancer-research

http://www.pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk/about-us/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps

http://campushealth.ucr.edu/docs/breastexam.pdf

Image sources:

Image 1: http://variety.com/2014/film/news/first-look-drew-barrymore-toni-collette-shoot-miss-you-already-exclusive-1201312797/

Image 2: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3154766/VIDEO-EXCLUSIVE-Drew-Barrymore-Toni-Collette-star-poignant-funny-Miss-trailer.html

Quote 1 - http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month