Leading support charity Breast Cancer Care is looking for passionate new volunteers across the UK to help ensure people know how to spot the early signs of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Care’s research has shown that 56% of black and minority ethnic (BME) women don’t check their breasts for changes because they don’t know what to look for.
As the vast majority of breast cancers are found by women themselves it’s vital that people are breast aware so they quickly notice any unusual changes and report them to their GP.
The charity is appealing for new south Asian volunteers to speak to other women in their communities about the importance of breast awareness.
Sadia Habib, a Breast Health Promotion Training and Support Officer at Breast Cancer Care, said:
“We want to ensure that people are informed about breast awareness and the importance of early detection if breast cancer is diagnosed. We know that one of the main barriers to breast awareness is people not knowing what to do or look for, especially within the Asian community.
“The free workshops we run are unique as they are held in the community and share information in an interactive way tailored specifically to the audience. They can make a huge difference to people’s understanding of being breast aware and we wouldn’t be able to continue this vital work without the support of our amazing volunteers who run the sessions.
“So if you are confident talking to a group or individuals, can travel within your local area, or have links to groups within their community to help run these unique workshops, we would love to hear from you.”
Reshma Patel, who has been a Breast Health Promotion volunteer since 2011, said: “Many Asian women don’t feel comfortable discussing breast cancer or checking their breasts. I am passionate about sharing vital information about the importance of early detection and being breast aware with as many people as possible.
“Through my work as a Breast Health Promotion volunteer with Breast Cancer Care I have provided training in many communities and I see first hand that the positive impact these sessions can have on those who attend. I find being a volunteer and giving my time to such a worthwhile cause very fulfilling. It is such a rewarding experience to see people’s confidence and understanding grow throughout the sessions.”
The workshops provide a valuable opportunity for people to learn about breast awareness, the changes to look and feel for, breast cancer risk factors and caring for their breast health, in a relaxed and friendly setting. People can ask questions and share concerns.
Volunteers who sign up will be supported by one of the charity’s breast health promotion officers, go on a breast health promotion course with Breast Cancer Care, be given free resources and regular updates on statistics to help inform talks and run workshops.
Applications are welcome from those with or without a personal diagnosis of breast cancer. For more information about breast cancer go to www.breastcancercare.org.uk.
