Mumsnet teams up with leading female cancer charities for a month of awareness-raising
Throughout October, Mumsnet will be teaming up with Breast Cancer Care, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the three cancers that primarily affect women: breast, ovarian and cervical. Experts from each charity will take part in webchats on the Mumsnet talkboard, encouraging Mumsnet posters to share their concerns about female cancers and ask any questions about issues that are bothering them.
Promoting ‘The C Word’, comedian Jo Brand said: ‘I hope that Mumsnet’s The ‘C’ Word campaign encourages women to be aware of the symptoms of the three main female cancers --‐ breast, ovarian and cervical – and to share them with the other women in their lives. It’s important that women have the confidence to talk to their GP about their symptoms if they are experiencing anything unusual.’
The issue is close to the heart of Mumsnet co--‐founder Carrie Longton; she lost her mother, who was only 50, to breast cancer. “My mum died without ever meeting her grandchildren, which makes me – and them – so sad. I've always wondered if things would have been different if I’d been better informed. I'm absolutely delighted that Mumsnet is working with these fantastic cancer charities to inform and empower women, and hopefully help more mums live to be grandmas. I've already learnt that there can be a genetic link between breast and ovarian cancer, and that I need to be more aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer too”.
Mumsnet campaigns coordinator Kate Williams lost her mother to ovarian cancer, after a typically late diagnosis: “Ovarian Cancer was once considered to be a ‘silent killer’ because it’s so easy to confuse the symptoms with other less serious ailments. I really hope this helps to inform women about what to look out for, and encourages them to go quickly to their GPs if they’re in the slightest bit worried. And having had several friends who caught cervical abnormalities at an early stage, I’m so glad we’re reinforcing the message that it’s incredibly important for women to attend cervical screening – it works, so don’t put it off!”
Robert Music, director of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said: “I am delighted to be working with Mumsnet. Cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease and one where women can take proactive steps to reduce their risk. The “C Word” Campaign is a fantastic opportunity to reach a key target group and provide answers to any questions or concerns they may have.”
For more information, please go tohttp://www.mumsnet.com/campaigns/the-c-word/index
Notes
Mumsnet is the UK’s most popular network for parents, generating 21 million page impressions per month. It has led the way on campaigns around the sexualisation of children, miscarriage care and children with special needs.
Contact: Kate Williams, Campaigns Coordinator:kate@mumsnet.com; or Rowan Davies, Campaigns Coordinator: rowan@mumsnet.com
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s only charity dedicated to women, their families and friends affected by cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer. The charity raises awareness of cervical cancer, symptoms and how it can be prevented, and provides vital support and information services to ensure that women never feel alone at any stage of their journey.
Contact Robert Music, director Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, robert@jostrust.org.uk
Last updated: 27/09/2010
