We are all affected by cancer directly or indirectly. In the black community women have a higher incidence of pre-menopausal breast cancer and men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer.
Angie Greaves, with Marianne from Merite PR and Evadney from Shiloh PR put together this intimate event in the Cumberland Hotel to support MacMillan Cancer Care and to raise awareness.
Angie Greaves and the Feeling Fab team (www.feelingfab.com) hosted the event with
Evadney from Shiloh PR and
Marianne from Merite PR
We shared laughs and tears with people young and old who had survived cancer, were undergoing treatment for cancer and who had just been diagnosed we learnt how to check our breasts, the difference between the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene and most importantly we learnt the importance of knowing our bodies. Angie explained that originally, it was just going to be a coffee morning… but with the very sad and untimely death of Felix Dexter an opportunity to support both Breast Cancer awareness and Movember (mens health) made sense.
Eddie Nestor, actor, broadcaster and Movember moustache wearer, was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2007. Eddie has been very open about his experience spoke very directly but with humour about the importance of going to see the doctor ‘ if it wasn’t for Lisa (his wife) I would not be here today.’ He explained about the depression that is often felt after being given the all clear, and the eighteen months of depression he experienced, as well as how draining chemotherapy was both physically and emotionally.
We then heard from attendees who about their cancer experiences, from mis-diagnosis, the importance of never giving up, to how scary treatment can be and how cancer makes you focus on enjoying each and every moment. The youngest person who spoke was just 22 years old.
Bianca Brown is 24 and journal her cancer story on Instagram. She received her diagnosis in September and read to us from her diary. You can (and should) follow her on Instagram @The_Cancer_Diary and on Twitter @Beayanx
Kimberly from Brastop explained what the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are and how they have affected her mother and aunt. She also spoke about the importance of knowing your family history so that you can make informed decisions.
After the event Kimberly, did bra fittings and taught us how to check our breasts properly.
Finally we heard from MacMillan talked about the services that they provide and the work that they are doing with government to ensure that people with and affected by cancer are appropriately supported by the NHS, and energy companies and the like.
The event was both heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. I met some truly inspirational people and I learnt a lot.
I urge you to check your breasts / testicles regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. If anything does not seem right, PLEASE visit your GP
If you have any questions or queries about cancer you can contact:
MacMillan www.macmillan.org.uk
Breast Cancer Care www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Prostate Cancer www.prostatecanceruk.org
Movember, for mens health queries www.uk.movember.org
BraStop sell mastectomy lingerie www.brastop.com
as do Pink Ribbon Lingerie www.pinkribbonlingerie.co.uk