Most of the women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical
cancer in Britain last year found something suspicious by knowing
what to look out for. Here in the UK we know that being breast
aware can save your life.
Penelope, a new campaign by cancer charity the Odysseus
Foundation, is asking the UK public to consider the importance of
knowing the "Bits and Boobs" in their life, whilst helping to
screen for breast and cervical cancer for less fortunate women in
developing countries, by donating £16 per year.
In developing countries, breast and cervical cancers are rapidly
becoming the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Worldwide, it
is estimated that 85% of cervical cancer cases (and 88% of deaths)
occur in developing countries. In addition, 60% of breast
cancer deaths are in developing countries. It's no coincidence
that access to diagnosis and treatment is practically non-existent
in these areas.
It is the Penelope campaign's goal to reduce these shocking
mortality rates and the associated suffering of the affected women,
their families and communities, by ensuring earlier stage detection
through effective screening programmes and awareness. They aim to
screen at least 100,000 women by the end of 2015.
For each £16 donation, the Odysseus Foundation will provide a
complete breast and cervical cancer exam to a woman in a developing
country or socially-excluded community, including pap smear,
pelvic examination, clinical breast exam and mammogram, and the
teaching of breast self-examination (BSE), advocating future
empowerment. The Odysseus Foundation is thefirst and only UK
charityto address the prevention and detection of breast and
cervical cancer overseas.
Cancer needn't be a death sentence, for us or for women in
developing countries.
A £16 donation can make a real difference. Please show your
support at www.bitsandboobs.org.
