AKD is putting the focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
About 20,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. While it’s the most common cancer in women, men can also develop it. Treatment is very successful for most cancers caught early, but five-year survival rates drop once the cancer starts to spread into the lymph nodes and beyond.
For that reason, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where individuals are encouraged to consider their own breast health and Australians come together to help fundraise for people currently going through treatment.
In our industry, AKD has been a major supporter of the McGrath Breast Care Nurses for several years and this month marks the company’s fourth turning PINK for the month.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer. A breast cancer diagnosis changes a person’s life, often in ways you wouldn’t expect. The free-to-access McGrath Breast Care Nurse service links up patients, whether with early cancer or metastatic, with a nurse who will stick with them through the experience. The nurse brings peace of mind through expert knowledge, personal care and genuine compassion, whether interpreting results, helping with treatment, advocating for their patient or providing emotional support. They can also help you create time in your life not defined by breast cancer.
The service relies on charitable donations from companies and individuals and aims to have a nurse available for every family, regardless of finances or location. AKD’s fundraising efforts include options for everyone in the company and community to get involved, whether it’s running a raffle, dressing up, barbecues or purchasing merchandise to contribute to the McGrath Foundation.
This year AKD is also focusing on spreading awareness of the risks of breast cancer and importance of early intervention. ‘Check Yourself to Protect Yourself’ is the motto and AKD is pushing that message with staff and families.
In Australia, 57 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day on average. Too many of these are diagnosed after their cancer has begun to advance. Early detection of breast cancer means there are greater options of effective treatments available.
Additionally, 5% of people have inherited a genetic predisposition to the disease, which can be identified through testing. Whole families can then lower their risk through more regular screening.
As part of the campaign, every AKD employee across the country has received a new uniform embroidered with a pink AKD ribbon logo and ‘CHECK yourself to PROTECT yourself’ slogan. There are also fundraising efforts at each site and AKD has changed its product packaging and strapping for the month, with the key messages presented on its pack wrap.
Shane Vicary, AKD CEO, says, “AKD is proud to be associated with McGrath Foundation to increase awareness and support the Care Nurses by sharing this powerful message throughout October with our employees, their families and our communities.”
