by

Ryan Clement

Recently, I was in Nice, France, on the French Riviera. 🇫🇷 On my day of arrival, whilst walking along the Promenade des Anglais, I saw a sign that said that the next day was a jogging and walking event (Jogging Rose & Marche Rose) for Octobre Rose. I subsequently learned that it was for a worthy cause, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

So, the next morning I went out, clapped and cheered the participants. Also, I shot a brief video. A very dear friend of mine in Grenada then informed me that it was also Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Spice Island. 🇬🇩

In fact, as I now know, every October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. “Awareness Starts with Knowing Your Normal – Breast cancer can affect people of different ages and backgrounds, including men. Checking your breasts or chest regularly—around once a month—can help you become familiar with how they usually look and feel. There is no single right way to check: look in a mirror and feel the whole area, including up to the collarbone and under each armpit.”

https://www.breastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness-month

https://breastcancernow.org/wear-it-pink?

https://breastcancernow.org/wear-it-pink?

I do not claim to have any specialist insight into BCAM, but if one person who, like me, was unaware of the October global awareness, then this short blog would have been worth my effort! I found the following and have simply copied and pasted it.

Changes worth getting checked

• A new lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit
• A change in size or shape
• Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering or redness
• A nipple that turns inwards, develops a rash or looks different
• Unexpected nipple discharge, which may contain blood
• Persistent pain in the breast or armpit

Many breast changes are not cancer, but it is important not to ignore anything new or unusual for you. Contact your GP if you notice a change or have persistent concerns. Getting checked promptly can provide reassurance and, when cancer is present, earlier diagnosis may make it easier to treat.

More Than a Pink Ribbon

Awareness also means making space for honest conversations. A breast cancer diagnosis can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, work and finances. Listening without judgement, offering practical help and respecting each person’s choices can make a meaningful difference. Support should continue beyond treatment, because recovery and living with secondary breast cancer can bring long-term challenges.

Ways to Make a Difference This October

• Start a conversation: Share reliable information about breast and chest awareness with friends, relatives or colleagues.
• Set a monthly reminder: Choose a date that helps you remember to check regularly.
• Support someone affected: Send a message, offer a lift, prepare a meal or simply listen.
• Fundraise responsibly: Organise a coffee morning, sponsored walk or pink-themed day for a reputable breast cancer charity.
• Challenge stigma: Use inclusive language and remember that breast cancer does not affect only one type of person.

Awareness Can Become Action

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not about creating fear. It is about replacing uncertainty with knowledge, isolation with support and good intentions with practical action. This October, take a few minutes to learn the signs, check what is normal for you and encourage someone you care about to do the same. Small actions, repeated and shared, can help build a more informed and supportive community.”

This blog is for general awareness and does not replace medical advice. If you notice a new or unusual change in your breast, chest or nipple, or have concerns about your health, contact your GP.