The vision for the future
One of the core problems with any cancer diagnosis is spotting it early enough to maximise the time and opportunity to tackle cancer head-on and therefore increase survival rates.
The charity’s vision is a future where a home test kit is readily available in order to be monitored for secondary breast cancer by providing test results to doctors without the need for a doctor or hospital visit. Ultimately, this will help the primary issue of early diagnosis, and easier monitoring of a tumour during treatment.
The DietCompLyf study
Against Breast Cancer worked on a study with researchers at the University of Westminster rolled out with over 3,300 breast cancer patients from 56 centres in the UK. Each participant was from one-year post-diagnosis and actively monitored for up to 5 years after.
The study confirmed that lifestyle choices help reduce the risk of developing secondary breast cancer. This includes:
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A healthy diet, and yes, that includes your 5-a-day!
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Regular exercise
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Better quality of life, with reduced stress and loneliness
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Moderate alcohol consumption
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No smoking
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Maintaining a healthy weight
Other ways to support
Charities always appreciate volunteers donating their skills, time and expertise, which most charities cannot run without.
Without volunteers, Against Breast Cancer wouldn’t have enough time or manpower to arrange and support the activities that raise funds for their pioneering research.
Supporters can also either join or set up community fundraising groups for Against Breast Cancer. Raising funds whilst having fun and making new friends is a nice way to stay motivated and experience something new with every idea you have to raise funds, it’s a coffee morning or organising a sponsored fun-run. The charity’s volunteering section on their website is a great place to start.
