Breast Cancer – The Statistics
There are around 56,900 new cases of breast cancer in the UK every year, and 1 in 7 women within the UK will develop breast cancer at some point within their lifetime. The vast majority of breast cancer cases are women, though 400 men are also diagnosed with breast cancer per year.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which represents a time to promote awareness of the condition.
Recognising Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells within breast tissue start to grow and replicate to form a ‘tumour’.
Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be picked up by regular checking of the breast, and these include:
- A lump or swelling within the breast, on the chest or under the armpit
- A change in size or shape of the breast
- Fluid leaking from the nipple (particularly in a woman who is not pregnant or breastfeeding)
- A change to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering or the development of a rash
The 5-year survival rate of someone with stage 0 or stage 1 cancer is up to 100% and up to 99% respectively. In stage 4 breast cancer, the 5-year survival rate is closer to 30%. This highlights the importance of early detection.
Promoting Awareness in the Workplace
By integrating breast health awareness into workplace wellbeing programmes, employers can empower their employees to take control of their health. Promoting educational campaigns and materials throughout the workplace, facilitating workshops, creating newsletters and highlighting important events such as October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month can all play an important part in normalising conversations around breast health, and reducing stigma and fear.
Supporting Employees Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Cancer is automatically covered under the disability provisions of the Equality Act 2010. Because of this, employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to help employees who around going through, or recovering from, cancer treatment.
Regardless of the staging of the condition, cancer can be a life-changing diagnosis. It is important that employees are supported through the diagnostic process, throughout their treatment, and on their return to work. Nation OH can help you to tailor this support. Key elements of support can include:
- Flexible working arrangements – to allow for medical appointments or treatment
- Personalised return to work plans – to rehabilitate the employee back into work whilst accounting for any ongoing pain, fatigue or treatment side effects
- Psychological support – through tailored wellness support plans or counselling.
Please contact us if you need professional medical advice regarding workplace promotion of breast cancer awareness, or if you require advice regarding how you can support an employee with breast cancer. We can help employers and employees by providing medical assessments, tailored advice, education programmes and staff training.
