Pink October

Pink October

As we head into October we are surrounded by media of Breast cancer awareness month and everything pink. Raising awareness is really important and if it gets just one person to check their breasts or go for their missed mammogram, then it has been worth it. However for me there is a flip side. As someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer in October and therefore annually attends their mammogram in October, this month is already a reminder of a very hard treatments. For anyone who has also had this experience or is currently waiting on test results, or maybe even lost someone close, this can be very triggering. Whilst trying to stay calm and switch off from the over thinking anxiety it creates, we find ourselves surrounded by constant reminders. For anyone that is trying to manage through October who finds this difficult for whatever reason, I want to acknowledge that that this is ok. When we are overwhelmed by reminders its okay to switch off, turn off, look in a different direction and take time out from engaging with it this month. We can share our journey and open conversations on another month as every month is important and for me the times when the publicity is not taking place is the most important time to have the conversation. I am personally taking more time away from the media, so if you are struggling for whatever reason, know you are not alone and it’s ok.                       

If you are affected by cancer, explore the Yoga for Cancer class I run weekly which you may find of benefit, check the schedule for details.

Written by Kerry Nicholls