Community call on breast cancer

Community call on breast cancer.

It’s a horribly confronting and often tragic disease that is indiscriminate with its targets and is far too frequent in its presence.

This article was written by Adam Poulsen and was published in the Geraldton Guardian on 05 October 2018.

For those who have never known someone with breast cancer, it can be easy to overlook the wideranging impact the disease has.

But for Geraldton air-conditioning company Cramer and Neill, the reach of the deadly disease is all too evident.

General manager Tony Emmott said of the business’ 23 staff, three had lost their mothers to breast cancer.

One person has lost a good friend, and another a close friend and a sister-in-law. Two staff members have had loved ones undergo intensive treatment.

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the business will donate part of the proceeds from all invoices raised in October to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and is calling on staff and the community to donate.

All staff will also wear pink shirts every Tuesday in October.

“Breast caner and it’s effects have touched so many people throughout our community and indeed within our business,” Mr Emmott said. “It’s a horribly confronting and often tragic disease that is indiscriminate with its targets and is far too frequent in its presence.” According to Cancer Council WA, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among WA women, causing the second highest number of cancer deaths.

“The symptoms you should be looking out for are new or persistent pain or discomfort, a change in the shape, size or feel of your breasts, or any lump or lumpiness or thickening either in the breast or under your arm,” Cancer Council WA regional education officer Tina Pendlebury said. “Any skin changes are important to report, too – redness or puckering , or dimpling of the breast. And of course, any changes in the position of the nipple of nipple discharge may be important.” Ms Pendlebury said there was a common misconception breast cancer only struck those with a family history of the disease.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says more than 18,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. 99.2 per cent of them women.

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Photo credit: Cramer and Neill