Five breast cancer survivors become overnight stars of national awareness campaign
TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2006
The women launched the campaign by being photographed in London’s exclusive Portobello Hotel’s vintage bathing machine (enjoyed by top models and celebrities alike), surrounded by pink and white rubber ducks – specially produced for breast cancer awareness month. The ducks are being sold throughout October at Cancer Research UK shops around the country and as well as raising vital funds for research into cancer, they contain information on being breast aware.
Irene Bothwell, Julie Rowe, Barbara Powell, Jean Mearns and Val Campbell (above) are fronting Cancer Research UK’s All Join Together campaign
Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, explains: “Relaxing in the bath is an ideal time for women to notice any abnormal change in either breast. It’s very important women know what’s normal for them and bath time is a great time to look for any changes.”
The pictures will be part of a national campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer and will be displayed in over 600 Cancer Research UK shops nationwide throughout breast cancer awareness month.
Val Campbell, from Manchester, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2004 says: “I’ve always supported Cancer Research UK’s fantastic work but posing in a bath full of rubber ducks was never something I thought I’d do!”
Barbara Powell, 64, whose breast cancer was picked up at routine screening said: “We are confident that these pictures of us will catch other women’s attention and make them think twice about ducking out of screening. I didn’t have a lump and if I’d not accepted my free invitation to screening I might not be here now to encourage others to do the same.”
ENDS
For more press information, images or to arrange interviews with any of the women, please contact Anna Hollingsworth in the Cancer Research UK Press Office on 020 7061 8364.
Notes to editors:
The women fronting Cancer Research UK’s All Join Together campaign include Barbara Powell aged 64 from Pontyclun in Wales, Julie Rowe aged 44 from Truro, Irene Bothwell aged 65 from Newtownards in Northern Ireland, Val Campbell, 38, from Manchester and Jean Mearns, 42 from Glasgow.
Betty the bathtime duck is available in pink or white from any of over 600 Cancer Research UK stores nationwide for £4.99 (with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK). Visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/shops to find your closest store.
Be Breast Aware
Early detection of breast cancer can save lives. Follow the five point code:
- know what is normal for you
- look at and feel your breasts
- know what changes to look for
- report any changes without delay
- go for breast screening if you are 50 or over
Changes to look out for
It is often women themselves who first notice their breast cancer. Look for:
- changes in the size, shape or feel of your breasts
- a new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit
- puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin
- changes in the position of the nipple or nipple discharge
- new pain or discomfort that is only on one side.
- There may be many reasons for the change other than breast cancer. But report anything unusual to your doctor straight away.
About Cancer Research UK
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
- Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
- Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
- Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
- Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.
- For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 08701 60 20 40 or visit our website
