Northampton General Hospital committed to making a difference this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks an important time to promote breast cancer awareness, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and to break the stigma surrounding the disease.

The breast screening department is hosting an awareness day from 10am until 3pm next Saturday (October 19) in Area B of NGH.

Attendees can enter through Integrated Surgery and tours will be held around the adjoining breast imaging department, known as the Forrest Centre. Free parking and cake will also be available.

The team members will be sharing information on checking your breasts, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, post-surgical bra fitting, menopause, and the vital work of Breast Friends.

Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo, lead health promotion mammographer Roisian Burnell shared the importance of NGH hosting its first breast cancer awareness day for the public.

The breast screening department has seen uptake decrease. During a period when 19,215 women were invited to have their breasts screened, only around 65 percent attended.

“We’d like to get that a lot higher,” said Roisian. “Screening does save lives throughout the UK.”

While it is likely that women will return following their first screening, the uptake for first timers is low.

Roisian believes this comes down to not knowing what to expect, anticipating it will be painful, and not knowing whether it will be a female carrying out the screening.

“There are barriers as to why they don’t come,” the mammographer continued. “We want to break down the barriers, answer questions and let them know it’s not as scary as it is made out to be online.”

This is the first time the breast screening department has hosted an event like this for the public, having invited only healthcare professionals to the last one post-pandemic.

Those who attend will meet a variety of team members, including the breast screening, treatment and support teams and the breast care nurses.

Roisian says it does not matter which stage people are at in their journey, everyone is welcome to come along.

When asked why it is important to have open conversations about breast cancer, Roisian said: “There’s a lot of fear and embarrassment but coming for your screening or seeing the GP when you have a symptom can save your life. There is a higher survival rate when it’s caught early.”

Breast Friends Northamptonshire, a support group for people undergoing treatment and aftercare, will also be in attendance.

Founded by Leonie Heard in 2017, the aim is for those with lived experience to share their stories and offer support to those going through something similar.

Sharon Ireson, clinical nurse specialist for breast care, shared the importance of a group like Breast Friends.

“Patients having support from healthcare professionals is one thing,” said Sharon. “But everyone’s lived experience is different, and to have women who have been through their own breast cancer journeys is so valuable.”

Sharon emphasised that those experiencing breast cancer may find the support group useful at different stages in their journey. Where one person may need support at diagnosis, others may find comfort in connecting with others after undergoing their treatment.