October has now arrived, marking the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is an important time to help raise awareness and support those who are and have been impacted by the disease.
At Access Care, we understand the impact that a breast cancer diagnosis can have on a person and their family. With over 30 years of experience supporting live-in care clients, including those living with cancer, we are well-versed in providing compassionate and effective support.
In our next blog post we aim to help increase awareness about breast cancer, its signs and symptoms, and how we can help and support those living with the disease.
Access Care Explains: What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer happens when the cells in the breast start to grow out of control. These cells usually start to form a tumour that can often be felt as a lump or seen on an x-ray.
Breast cancer is now the second most common cancer affecting women worldwide, there are millions of new cases diagnosed each year. While it primarily does affect women, men can also develop the disease, although this is more rare.
Breast Cancer: The Statistics
Here in the UK, there are around 55,000 women and 370 men who are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Early detection and modern treatments have made a big impact on improved survival rates, with nearly 8 out of 10 women surviving breast cancer for at least 10 years. However, continuous awareness and education are still so key to further enhance these statistics.
Signs and Symptoms
Recognising the signs and symptoms of breast cancer early can make a massive difference in treatment outcomes.
The key symptoms to look out for include:
Lump or Thickening in the breast or underarm area.
Change in Size or Shape of the breast.
Nipple Discharge that is not breast milk, especially if it's bloody.
Changes in the Skin over the breast, such as dimpling.
Redness or Flaky Skin in the nipple area or the breast.
Pain in the breast or nipple area.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection is one of the most crucial factors in successful breast cancer treatment. Performing regular self-examinations and attending routine mammograms are essential practices.
By catching cancer at an early stage it often means that there are more treatment options available to a person and a better chance of survival. If you notice any unusual changes in your breast, it's important to get in contact with your GP.
Breast Cancer Charities
There are lots of different charities here in the UK that work tirelessly to support breast cancer research, patients, and their loved ones. Some of the most notable organisations include:
Breast Cancer Now: https://breastcancernow.org/ is dedicated to funding research, providing information, and supporting those affected.
Macmillan Cancer Support https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ offers physical, emotional, and financial support for people with cancer.
The Pink Ribbon Foundation https://www.pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk/ raises funds for breast cancer charities and awareness initiatives.
By supporting these charities through donations or volunteering you can help to make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer.
How Access Care Can Help
Here at Access Care, we are proud of our extensive experience in providing live-in care to our clients, including those living with a cancer diagnosis. Here’s how we have helped:
Personalised Care Solutions
Our live-in carers create bespoke care solutions tailored to each live-in care client’s specific and unique needs. Whether this is helping in managing their daily medication, assisting and supporting with mobility, or providing companion care, our live-in carers are always striving to make sure that every requirement is met with compassion and professionalism.
Emotional Support
Unsurprisingly, living with a major health diagnosis can be emotionally taxing. Our live-in carers are able to offer much-needed emotional support to their clients who are living with a health condition(s), providing a listening ear and comforting presence for their live-in care client, to help reduce any anxiety and stress that they may be feeling.
Practical Help and Assistance
From cooking their live-in care clients nutritious and delicious meals to making sure that their home environment is safe and comfortable, our live-in carers handle a variety of different practical tasks. This means their live-in care clients are able to focus on their health and well-being without having to worry about day-to-day chores.
Expertise and Experience
With over 30 years of experience in the live-in care industry, our team of professional home carers are well-trained and knowledgeable in handling the unique and specific challenges that may come with cancer care.
Companion Care
Going through treatments for a health condition can sometimes be isolating. Our live-in carers are able to provide their live-in care clients with companionship, getting them involved in meaningful activities and conversations to make sure that their live-in care client never feels alone during their treatment and recovery.
Contact Us
If you feel that you or a loved one could benefit from the support of a live-in carer at home, Access Care is here to help. Our compassionate live-in carers are ready to provide the help, assistance and comfort needed to help improve their live-in care client and their family’s quality of life. Contact us today at 01264 319 399 or email hello@access-care.co.uk to discuss your live-in care needs.
Remember October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder of the importance of early detection and the continuous help and support needed for those who are living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
By being aware, recognising the signs and symptoms early and providing compassionate care, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.
Here at Access Care, we are fully committed to offering the highest level of live-in care
to all of our clients, making sure that they receive the very best support possible.
Take action this Breast Cancer Awareness Month by raising awareness, educating yourself and supporting key charities. Together, we can make a difference.
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