Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection and prevention, and supporting those affected by breast cancer.
As the most common cancer in the UK, breast cancer accounts for 15% of all new cancer cases, with around 55,000 new cases diagnosed in women and about 400 in men each year.
Prevention: The Most Effective Tool
While some risk factors like age, sex, family history, and genetics are beyond our control, it’s estimated that at least 30% of breast cancer cases in the UK can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
This means around 17,000 cases each year are linked to lifestyle factors. Educating employees about these risk factors can help them reduce their personal risk:
- Alcohol Consumption: In a group of 50 women who drink two units of alcohol a day (for example, a standard glass of wine), about seven will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, compared to 6 who did not drink at all.
- Weight Management: Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, increases breast cancer risk.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise can reduce breast cancer risk, particularly in postmenopausal women.
- Diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed foods and red meat can lower cancer risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is a known risk factor for many cancers, including breast cancer.
Breast Cancer in Ethnic Communities
Breast cancer affects women of all ethnicities, but there are disparities in incidence and outcomes. For example, while breast cancer is more common in white women, Black Caribbean and African women tend to be diagnosed at later stages, contributing to higher mortality rates.
Promoting awareness and providing targeted support to ethnic communities is crucial to improving outcomes.
Early Detection
Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves the chance of survival. Employers can raise awareness by:
- Promoting Self-Examinations: Host videos on intranet/benefits portals where employees can learn about self-examination techniques.
- Encouraging Regular Screenings: Promote regular breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams. Partner with healthcare providers to offer screenings or provide information about nearby clinics.
- Providing Educational Resources: Distribute materials about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures through newsletters, emails, and posters.
- Implementing Supportive Workplace Policies: Support employees in taking care of their health with flexible working hours, remote work options, and paid time off for medical appointments and screenings.
Supporting Employers and Employees
Engage with third-party experts such as Check4Cancer, which offers comprehensive cancer screening and diagnostic services, including OneStop Breast Clinics, for fast-track diagnostic investigations.
If you provide Group Risk and Health benefits for your workforce, they will include a host of additional wellbeing services that can be utilised to enhance efforts to promote breast cancer awareness and prevention:
- Health Assessments and Screenings: Encourage employees to take advantage of these offerings to identify potential health risks early.
- Wellness Programs: Promote programs focusing on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Counseling and Support Services: Provide access to confidential counselling services, support groups, and resources for coping with the emotional and psychological impact of breast cancer.
- Educational Resources: Share articles, webinars, and workshops on health-related topics provided by insurers.
- Digital Health Platforms: Use digital health platforms to provide employees with convenient access to health information, wellness tools, and personalised recommendations.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies and leveraging services from existing insurances, employers can play a crucial role in promoting breast cancer awareness and prevention. Supporting employees in this way fosters a healthier workforce and demonstrates a commitment to their wellbeing.
Broadstone advocates for preventative healthcare, offering expert opinion, pragmatic advice, and a fresh perspective to make a difference now and beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
