HEALTH + WELLNESS
let ’ s talk about
BREASTS
Every year , more than 60,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK . Since the introduction of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 1993 , every October since has been awash with pink ribbons , which are now a global symbol for breast cancer awareness . Breast Cancer Care - the only specialist breast cancer support charity in the UK - was the first breast cancer charity in the UK to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month , and through it , has helped bring the subject of breast cancer to the forefront of people ’ s minds and to the top of the health agenda in this country .
Tracy shares her story
Tracy , from Gravesend , was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2009 , at the age of 46 . “ My whole world changed at that moment ,” she says . “ Up until that point , I was working ; had a good social network ; my family were all growing up , and I was generally just getting on with life .”
Looking back , Tracy remembers the worst thing about having treatment for breast cancer was losing her hair , eyelashes and eyebrows . “ It ’ s like losing your identity ,” she adds . “ My family were very supportive though , and my mum attended every chemotherapy session with me ; we always went out for a meal together afterwards as a treat for getting through it .”
Three weeks after Tracy ’ s chemotherapy ended in May 2010 , she had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction using her tummy tissue , something she managed to get through with the support of family and friends . Today , Tracy is a volunteer and also models at the Breast
Cancer Care lingerie events . “ Doing the events has really boosted my body confidence and I ’ m really grateful for that ,” she says . " I feel like I ’ m finding my way again - I ’ ve changed my career and now work for a dating agency ; I love Zumba to keep fit , and I sing in a choir too . I ’ m also incredibly proud of my children . My daughter has just completed her masters in Cancer at University College London and is planning on doing a PHD , and my son is currently at university .”
Next month , Tracy is even taking to the catwalk at the Breast Cancer Care London fashion show alongside 31 other people to show that you can still look fabulous after a breast cancer diagnosis . " Breast cancer is devastating ,” she says . “ But with the help of friends , family and Breast Cancer Care you can move on . I would urge all women to check their breasts regularly and to speak to their doctor if there ’ s anything unusual .”
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