COVID-19 and the impact on breast cancer support

When life ground to a halt nearly 11 months ago, it wasn’t just brunch dates that were missed. With many services and programmes put on hold, it’s estimated that around 1 million women missed out on the opportunity to attend potentially life-saving NHS breast cancer screenings and the repercussions of this could mean around 8,600 women living with undetected breast cancer - this is extremely worrying. Alongside the losses at the front line, the pandemic also saw a loss of 230,000 hours of lab time, meaning a real set back in research progress. To get back on track, we need to continue supporting and investing in this research and the programs in place to help diagnose and support those living with breast cancer.

What is Pink Protection?

By 2050, Breast Cancer Now has the ambition to support all individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, allowing them to live and be supported throughout the journey. This heroic vision has inspired the partnership. As a business, their movement is merely extraordinary. We are determined to help support this; turning that ambition into a reality. The aim; raise £1million for Breast Cancer Now, helping them achieve world-class research and life-changing facilities. Raising awareness is crucial. Taking advantage of our state-of-the-art UK manufacturing facilities, we've developed an iconic Pink Face Mask. We hope this product offering alongside informing the public about the issues associated with breast cancer we can have real success in reaching our goals! We intend to distribute these pink face masks everywhere and anywhere – we want to get people talking. What better way than visually projecting the message!  

Breast Cancer Statistics

1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and there are approximately 55,000 women diagnosed each year. Whilst it is significantly rarer, approximately 370 men diagnosed with breast cancer yearly. Whether a friend, colleague, or loved, or even ourselves, it is likely we will all come into contact with it at some point in our lives. There is no doubt that Breast Cancer Now is a force to be reckoned with, but much like many industries and charities, their work has been significantly impacted by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. In this time of difficulty, they are calling for all of us to band together and help fight back against the devastating impact the pandemic has had on breast cancer research and support. For more info, click here.  

Learn and share the signs of breast cancer

It's vital breast cancer symptoms are spotted at an earlier stage. We strongly believe that regular examinations should be habitual! It needs to be discussed openly - we can all do our bit to mitigate the chance of catching breast cancer at a late stage.

Simple 3 step guide by Breast Cancer now 'TOUCH, LOOK, CHECK'

So what can you do to help?

There are loads of fantastic opportunities to be part of the team combating the impacts of Covid-19, both in the near future and looking further down the line. October brought in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with it a whole host of ideas and opportunities to help press play on breast cancer research and care that was paused due to Coronavirus. In particular, October 23^rd marked Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink Day, and saw people all over the country donning their best pink attire in support of the charity and the people it helps. From fuchsia feather boas to hot pink sequins, people took the opportunity to glam up and raise money in the process. Over the coming months and onwards, there are loads of great fundraising events that you can be a part of. In partnership with Breast Cancer Now, the CMT Group team are participating in a range of fundraising events with the aim of raising £20,000 for Breast Cancer Now. Fundraising activities that you can also participate in include events such as the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, a charity fundraising event in which you can get some exercise, take in some amazing views and do so whilst raising money for fantastic causes like Breast Cancer Now. CMT Group is now producing pink facemasks, so you can stay safe against coronavirus in style whilst showing your support for and solidarity with those affected by breast cancer. For each pack of pink masks purchased, CMT Group will be donating £1 to Breast Cancer Now, a charity that’s close to the company’s heart. With your help, we to raise £1 million for Breast Cancer Now over the next year, to help them continue to be there for people affected by breast cancer now and in the future. Coronavirus may have pressed pause on progress. Treatments have been put on hold, screening programs have been interrupted, and fundraising opportunities have been missed. But we can help put the wheels back in motion, working together to build these services back up. We can help Breast Cancer Now show those affected by the disease that they are not alone and that we are here for them. Whether by running, cycling, or dressing up, now is the perfect time to start supporting the cause and helping to press play on progress.   Press play on fundraising There are loads of ways you can fundraise for Breast Cancer Now this month. From doing your own sports challenge to fundraising from your own home. Press play on campaigning Breast Cancer Now is calling on the Government to commit funding for breast cancer. For more information on how to rally and campaign click here. Press play on research Breast Cancer Now needs your support, now more than ever, so that their researchers can make up for a lost time. Their life-saving research is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Help us raise £1 million  By projecting pink and purchasing our UK made face masks, you will be contributing to the ambitious goal os raising £1 million for Breast Cancer Now. If you want to take a look at our masks, click the link here.