Sylvia, Larissa and I were excited to launch Rethink’s 2010 TLC: Touch Look Check Campaign at Ryerson’s Annual Health Fair yesterday. We were the only breast cancer organization amongst others, including student nutrition groups, yoga and meditation centres, dental hygiene educators and smoking cessation support groups. The fair was located in the Ryerson Student Centre, a very busy place on campus.
We managed to squeeze our brand new TLC signs into the little space assigned to us. Our bright colours attracted many young women to our table. The main message we were there to deliver was that young women need to be breast aware, too. Many were telling us that they don’t remember the instructions on how to do a breast exam. We were happy to share our new TLC materials that remind young women that they don’t have to follow a fancy routine… there are no hard and fast rules. It’s just about getting to know your body well. Touch your breasts. Look at them. Check out any changes with your doctor. It’s that simple.
We spoke with a few hundred young women, and there were also young men exploring the fair. We encouraged the handful of guys that came by Rethink’s table to share the TLC materials (including a cute new shower card) with their girlfriends, sisters, cousins, mothers, classmates & any women in their lives. There is something to be said about the cliché “knowledge is power”. We want to get the message to as many young people as possible and word of mouth can be one of the most powerful ways to share life-saving information!
We were moved by the stories we heard of grandmothers, mothers, sisters and friends who’ve been dealing with breast cancer. Several students were surprised to hear that young women in their 20s and 30s are at risk and being diagnosed with the disease. I noticed an element of fear from some visitors to our table. It’s understandable. The thought of getting breast cancer can be scary. The reality is that women’s bodies change all the time and often the changes are harmless, but it is always best to talk to your doctor if you notice changes to your breasts. Early detection is key. Most breast cancers are detected by women who report unusual changes to their doctor. If cancer is diagnosed, prompt treatment offers the best chance of a successful outcome. TLC regularly and make it part of your routine… you’ll find out that being breast aware actually feels really good!
Rethink would love to set up a TLC: Touch Look Check info table at campuses and community events across Canada. If you’d like us to bring TLC to you or if you’d like to volunteer to help us get the TLC word out to young women everywhere, email me by clicking here.
Farheen, Program Manager at Rethink Breast Cancer
Larissa & Sylvia
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