Check Your Breasts! It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Roughly 1 in 7 UK women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, whilst around 420-500 new cases are diagnosed in men per year. So what are the ways in how you can catch a symptom early?

The Signs and Symptoms to Watch For:

• Lumps or Swellings: a new, firm lump located in the breast, chest area or armpit.
• Skin changes: dimpling, puckering or an orange-peel texture on the breast skin, along with redness or localised warmth.
• Nipple Changes: a nipple turning inward, shifted position or developing an eczema-like rash.
• Nipple Discharge: Spontaneous fluid leakage from the nipple – especially if it is clear, bloody or stains clothing with squeezing.
• Size and Shape Alterations: Unexplained changes in the overall size or contour of one or both breasts.

(NHS, 2024)

What To Do If You See These Signs:

• Do Not Wait For Pain: early-stages of breast cancer is frequently painless, never dismiss a symptom just because it does not hurt.
• Attend NHS Breast Screening!
• Consult Your GP! If you notice any unusual or persistent changes that is not normal for you – constant your NHS GP practice straight away.

The Statistics:

• Breast cancer affects approx 99% of women and 1% of men globally (WHO, 2026)
• 660,000 deaths worldwide per year among women, serving as a leading cause of cancer-related morality globally (Breast Cancer, 2026)
• About 16% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50 years of age (Breast Cancer, 2026)
• Breast Cancer (2026) found that Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than women from any other racial or ethnic group.
• Breast Cancer (2026) found that Black men have the highest incidence of male breast cancer and death.

(Breast Cancer, 2026)

CoppaFeel On Campus At Edge Hill:

CoppaFeel On Campus is a society based at Edge Hill University who represent the CoppaFeel charity. They spread awareness about breast cancer on campus through various events, fundraisers and their very own boob school!

We spoke to their treasurer, Katelyn, who has been apart of the society for three years now. She shared her experience on being apart of the society.

“I joined Coppafeel on Campus at Edge Hill because I wanted to steer from a course society and raising awareness is something I’ve always loved to do!”. Katelyn said the most surprising information that she learnt about breast cancer from the society is that everyone of any age can get it: “One of the CoppaFeel founders Kris, was diagnosed at the age of 23 and when she went to the GP about inquiring, they told her initially she was too young for breast cancer. This is why CoppaFeel exists! To raise awareness to everyone and 18-24 year olds”.

Katelyn said one of her favourite things about the society is the crazy concepts and ideas they have for events: “For our event “Boobie Bingo” we had to come up with so many prompts and call outs for the cards so it was beyond difficult”. With their “Boobie Bingo”, the society previously raised over £700, with this year raising £520, she said “having so many people have such a good time, raise money, AND raise awareness. What could be any better??”

One way the society raise awareness about breast cancer on campus is through their “Boob Schools”. Katelyn said, “Boob schools work as a way for us to spread awareness on campus easily and advocate for people knowing their normal! Just this month we have around 10 different sports teams and societies we are working with to deliver boob schools to them and deliver CoppaFeel’s story and important message of checking your chest”.

If you are interested in taking part in Edge Hill’s CoppaFeel on Campus, or want to create your own CoppaFeel charity society in your university, Katelyn has one top tip. “The best thing to do when you are wanting to start a CoppaFeel On Campus society is to be passionate and eager to learn! The society and charity are so cohesive and there’s a lot to learn about CoppaFeel and Kris’ legacy”.

From learning about the charity, Katelyn has grew to be inspired by many breast cancer advocates, one being Giovanna Fletcher. “She is a longstanding patron and key campaigner for CoppaFeel and leads CoppaTrek! Which is days long fundraisers in places like The Great Wall Of China! Which is just insane! And another favourite of mine is Amy Dowden from Strictly Come Dancing! After seeing her journey with breast cancer and reading her book Dancing In The Rain, I have become so inspired by her”.

Lastly, one piece of information Katelyn learnt that surprised her is that “chest checking goes beyond the breast. You should check the top of your rib cage, chest, armpits and nipples! Knowing what’s normal for you means you know when something doesn’t look or feel right. If in doubt, get it checked out!”.

If you are interested in CoppaFeel on Campus, you can get updates here.