October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the theme chosen by the Breast Cancer Network Australia is “Living Well, Your Way.”

In this post, we’re going to look at what this means for people living with breast cancer and find out more about what’s happening in Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023.

We’ll also explore some facts and figures about breast cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in Australia.

What’s the month all about?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is marked every October in Australia and around the world.

It’s an opportunity for people to understand the impact of breast cancer on women (and some men) and their loved ones and to learn more about the disease.

This year, the Breast Cancer Network Australia has chosen “Living Well, Your Way” as their theme.

It’s about making the most of life with breast cancer and celebrating people’s stories.

During the month, you can show your support in many different ways:

  • Wear pink clothing or a pink ribbon, the symbol for breast cancer support.
  • Host a pink-themed coffee morning or tea party to raise funds for breast cancer research.
  • Post facts about breast cancer on social media.
  • Share your story if you are living with or have had treatment for breast cancer.
  • Sign up for a sponsored event like a fun run to raise money for breast cancer research.
  • Book a mammogram or other breast examination.
  • Wear a pink breast cancer wristband.

More about living well with breast cancer

Breast cancer affects people in different ways.

Some may finish their treatment and live cancer-free for many years to come.

Others may live with the disease for the rest of their lives — but that’s not to say they can’t live well with breast cancer.

It’s about finding what makes you feel better, both physically and emotionally, if you are in this position.

To take care of your physical needs, you can:

  • Talk to your care team about any side effects of your treatment and what you can do to counter them.
  • Wear a medical wristband with information about your health condition so that you can get the right treatment in an emergency.
  • Take regular, gentle exercise, building up the intensity if appropriate.
  • Eat a healthy diet, full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption.
  • Attend your regular medical and screening appointments.
  • See your doctor if you spot any symptoms that concern you.

To take care of your emotional needs, you can:

  • Identify stress triggers and learn how to deal with them through mindfulness, meditation or just chatting to a friend.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Take time out to practise hobbies that you enjoy.
  • Spend time in nature as often as you can.
  • Share any worries with your counsellor or a trusted friend or family member.

Facts about breast cancer

  • Over 20,000 Australian people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
  • Men also have breast tissue, though it’s not as well developed as in women. This means that breast cancer can also affect males — about 1 in 500 Australian men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
  • Around 1 in 7 women will get a breast diagnosis in the course of their life.
  • Over the last 10 years, diagnoses of breast cancer have risen by 21%.

Source: National Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast cancer awareness

For the best chance of surviving breast cancer, it needs to be found early.

You should examine your breasts regularly — around once a month is ideal.

These are the changes you should look for:

  • A lump or feeling of lumpiness
  • A change in the shape or size of your breast
  • A change to your nipple, including redness, inversion, crusting or an ulcer
  • Nipple discharge
  • A change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling or redness
  • Pain that doesn’t go away

See your doctor straight away if you are worried about any signs or symptoms.

You should also take up invitations for breast cancer screening. Speak to your GP to find out if you are entitled to a mammogram to check for signs of breast cancer.

Living well with breast cancer this October

Breast cancer affects thousands of Australians and their supporters every year. But it’s still possible to live well with the disease — as this awareness month demonstrates.

This month is also a great time to raise awareness about breast cancer and how to spot the signs.

Pledge to self-exam your breasts and see your doctor if you are worried about symptoms.

And if you want to support someone close to you with breast cancer, consider silicone medical wristbands. They’re designed to give healthcare professionals information about the wearer in the event of a medical emergency. This makes them an ideal gift for anyone who has been affected by breast cancer.

You can even have a wristband customised with the wearer’s medication and health details so they feel confident about getting the help they need when they are wearing it. Check out Mediband’s entire range of medical wristbands to know more.

Let’s unite to live well with breast cancer together this October.