Put yourself first this Breast Cancer Awareness month

This October, we’re tackling the awkward silence around breast cancer. Join us by organising a special day for yourself and your favourite ladies, where you come first. 

 Did you know that among Asian countries, Pakistan has the highest incidence of breast cancer, with 90,000 cases being reported annually? And yet, 109 women die of breast cancer in Pakistan, every day. With breast cancer being so curable now, why is the death rate so high? Because in Pakistan, too many patients are diagnosed too late.

Most women are nurturing by nature. They take on a lot to support their children and spouses and often put themselves last. This also means women are often neglectful of their health issues, or too shy to speak about them if these issues are embarrassing.

Now would you encourage this behaviour in your mother, sisters, or daughters if it puts them at risk? If the answer is ‘no’, then this is the time to make some changes.

Take advantage of our resources below, take part in our 5K Pink Walk and organise a special day or event for yourself and all the ladies you love. Here’s our to-do list for Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

Join us at our 5K Pink Walk on October 13th 2024

If you live in Bradford or Birmingham, put on your pinks and come along to our Pink Walks. Book your place now by clicking below.

Organise a pink tea party

Who doesn’t love a tea party with good food and good company and all for a good cause?

If you’re a baking queen, host yours at home to wow your friends with a spread of mouth-watering cakes and desserts. You could also do a potluck and ask all your friends to bring a dish each, then have a bake-off with a prize for the best cake/dessert!

Don’t forget to set an attendance fee and let your guests know you’re fundraising for Imran Khan Cancer Appeal (IKCA). And lastly, make sure the table spread and décor matches the dress code: pink.

Alternatively, why not go extra glamorous and book an afternoon tea for your group somewhere special? The attendance fee for this will have to include the bill, obviously. But don’t shirk on the pink dress code and donation boxes. Our object is to raise awareness of and funds for breast cancer while encouraging women to take action for their health. So, wear your pink proudly and make some noise (without disrupting the other clientele).

Organise a pink pamper day

Putting yourself first means making the time for self-care. And what better way than indulging in a day of pampering with your friends?

You can go all out and book a spa day, for full-on relaxation because you all, deserve it. And if anyone resists, make it a sponsored spa day -where family members donate towards giving mum or aunty the day-out she deserves.

Or you can host your pink pamper day it at home:

• Bring out the scented candles
• Hire a manicurist for the day
• Provide face masks, scrubs and serums
• Set a strict dress code – fluffy robes and slippers, but don’t forget the pink ribbons
• Offer a menu of refreshing detox drinks and canapes
• Get the kids to donate back rubs and shoulder massages to their aunties (or they can charge for their services and donate some of their earnings to IKCA!)

Whichever option you choose, remember to have breast cancer awareness on the agenda. Share our resources with your guests and tell them that all donations and proceeds from attendance fees will go towards providing free treatment for patients in need at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital.

Take advantage of our breast cancer resources

Shaukat Khanum Specialists on breast cancer features a video from Dr Sumera Butt who talks about breast cancer misconceptions and the importance of early detection.

Our Breast Cancer 101 blog gives you a list of things to avoid to eliminate potential causes of breast cancer from your life.

Download our free breast self-exam guide below. Share it with the women in your life. And be sure to take 5 minutes out for yourself each month to do a breast self-exam.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t be too shy to speak and learn about breast cancer.

Give us a ring on 01274 424 444 if you’d like support organising your breast cancer awareness events. Our volunteer team can provide you with advice, leaflets, collection boxes, banners and IKCA memorabilia like T-shirts and stationery.