It's World Cancer Day!
•Posted on February 04 2022
World Cancer Day – February 4th – is an internationally recognised day dedicated to raising awareness about all kinds of cancer. And with a recent poll from the British Journal of Cancer claiming 1 in 2 men and women in the UK will be diagnosed at least once in their lifetime, World Cancer Day is more important than ever before.
Here at Bawbags, we have always been encouraging people to keep 'em tidy down south – for both ladies and gents! And now, with these new statistics coming out, that mission is more important than ever. Knowing how to check yourself for certain forms of cancer – such as testicular or breast cancer – is paramount to saving lives.
Worryingly, 62% of those who are most at risk of testicular cancer don't know how to check themselves. Make sure you know and pass on the knowledge – be bold enough to tell all your pals! It could very well save a life.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is currently the most common type of cancer in the UK. Accordingly to Cancer Research UK, between 2016-2018, there were over 55,000 cases of breast cancer in the UK. That accounted for 15% of all cases during their in-depth study.
When it comes to breast cancer, some common signs to look out for are:
- Thickening or a new lump in the breast or armpit.
- Skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, redness, or a rash.
- A change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or armpit.
- Changes in the position of the nipple.
- Fluid leaking from the nipple (from a woman that isn't pregnant or breastfeeding).
Don’t forget, breast cancer can affect men, not just women!
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most common types of cancer around, with over 2,400 cases being reported during 2016-2018 – according to Cancer Research UK. This translates to six cases of testicular cancer per day.
When it comes tae baws, the sooner you catch it, the better, just like any cancer. As testicular cancer is one of the main types of cancer we focus on raising awareness about, we have a self-check guide to ensure that you know how to check your bits – and be bold enough to tell yir mates to check themselves too!
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK, with over 40,000 cases during 2016-2018, according to Cancer Research UK. This number is split almost half and half between men as well as women, with men having slightly more cases overall.
Lung cancer is also the deadliest cancer in the UK, with over 35,000 people succumbing to it between 2016-2018.
Be sure to look out for these symptoms:
- Having a cough (most of the time)
- Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
- Having a change in a cough you have had for a long time, for example, it may sound different
- Pain when you cough
- Coughing up phlegm with blood in it
- Losing weight and appetite
- Having an ache or pain in the shoulder or chest
- Having a chest infection that doesn't get better or keeps coming back
Together we can all play our part in tackling cancer. But;
What You Can Do
Fighting cancer will take all of us working together and doing our part. The easiest thing you can do to help in the battle is to be brave enough to have a chat with your friends.
Raise awareness in your friendship group and ask them to do the same. It could quite literally save a life!
Alternatively, if you are able, you can donate to one of the many wonderful cancer charities, such as:
- Teenage Cancer Trust
- Orchid