Keeping Abreast

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual campaign strives to support people diagnosed with breast cancer, raise awareness, promote screening and educate many on the risk factors of breast cancer.

Whether you wish to organise a bake sale, wear pink or host a quiz night, there are a multitude of ways you can get involved to raise money for breast cancer research.

In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I caught up with Keeping Abreast, a local charity that provides support to those faced with breast reconstruction. We spoke about their incredible mission, the events they are hosting this month and how you can support their work.

What is Keeping Abreast's mission?

Our mission is to provide information, support and practical help for those considering breast reconstruction surgery due to breast cancer.

We aim to help make an informed decision with the best and most relevant support we can offer. We know that breast reconstruction surgery due to breast cancer is not right for everyone. Choosing to put yourself back through surgery can be a very difficult decision and women with breast cancer are more likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression than women without breast cancer.

For what can be a very complicated and lengthy process navigating difficult decisions, unfamiliar medical terminology and an increasingly overwhelming bombardment of online misinformation, we help people find clarity.

What services and support do you offer?

Our support can be in multiple forms to suit the individual’s needs such as:

• Attending one of our face-to-face support groups which include real life show and tell sessions

• Watching our online videos containing basic surgery information and real-life surgery show and tells

• Talking to a support volunteer who is willing to share their experience

• Signposting to other support services that complements our support

• Offering tailored support for specific requirements

• Sending them useful information on a specific topic such as ‘What is useful to take into hospital’ or ‘getting prepared for surgery’

• Sending ‘Comfort & Care’ bags at time of surgery

• Local WhatsApp support group

• Closed Facebook support group

• Ad hoc pre or post operative financial help - this is normally a referral from a support group or hospital nurse and can cover items such as travel expenses to a group, short-term childcare etc.

• Online monthly mindfulness sessions

• Financial assistance to supporting organisations to enrich the quality of those recovering from breast reconstruction.

What distinguishes your charity from others?

Our online real-life show and tell videos provide an important support tool for us especially for those who cannot or do not want to attend a support group – these are unique to our charity (Video Journey Roadmap - Keeping Abreast).

Since we launched the support videos in October 2021 they have been played over 17,000 times and to our knowledge we are the only charity that has this valuable resource online.

Our face-to-face support groups which include real life show and tell sessions from those who have undergone various types of reconstruction or breast cancer surgery.

What is the biggest challenge the charity has faced?

One of the biggest challenges faced was the COVID pandemic as we could no longer hold in-person support.

The charity quickly adapted and held online support groups, Facebook live chats with healthcare professionals and Zoom speaker sessions on subjects such as nutrition, scar therapy and post-surgery underwear: Online Support and Video Chats - Keeping Abreast

What recent achievements are you most proud of?

Several things:

• We held a successful Summer Feast Event in September raising over £6k for our charity

• We opened a brand-new support group in Plymouth – the first group was attended by 9 people.

• We have secured several large grants to help stabilise income.

• We have employed a Charity Manager to help grow the reach of the charity and the depth of support.

What does Breast Cancer Awareness month aim to achieve?

1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer – we aim to raise awareness of the support available for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are facing the decisions of reconstruction.

We also want to help to raise awareness of the importance of checking your breasts and encouraging people to attend mammogram appointments.

Do you believe there is a stigma around Breast Cancer (and does this impact the number of people who start conversations and seek help)?

Yes – in some cultures, breast cancer is seen as a taboo topic because it involves a private part of the body.

People may avoid talking about symptoms or screening due to embarrassment or fear of judgment. Fear of pity, blame, or being treated differently can make people reluctant to disclose their diagnosis.

In communities with limited health education, stigma can discourage women from going for breast exams or mammograms, leading to late diagnosis and worse outcomes.

How important is education to raise awareness of Breast Cancer?

Education is absolutely vital in raising awareness of breast cancer — it’s one of the most powerful tools for early detection, prevention, and reducing stigma.

What events are you hosting throughout the month?

Face-to-face Support Groups will take place in Plymouth, Herts & Beds, Leicester, Gorleston, Cheltenham, Wymondham, KIng's Lynn, Norwich and Bristol & Bath, with details on the Keeping Abreast website.

Plus, in Norfolk, where the charity started, there will be a host of activities and events:

• On 15th October (Breast Cancer Reconstruction Awareness Day) we will be at several locations in Norwich: The Forum, Notcutts, M&S and Tesco raising awareness of our charity and the support we offer.

• On 18th October we are having a ‘Keep on Crafting’ event at John Lewis

• On 25th October we have a Pink Power Flow Yoga event at Sunfyr Barns

What impact do you hope these events will have?

We hope they will raise awareness of breast cancer but more specifically the support we offer as a charity.

How will the funds from these events support your work?

Funds raised will allow us to continue to support hundreds of women affected by breast cancer by delivering our free cancer support groups and services.

Do you have any plans for the rest of 2025 (and beyond!)?

We are currently working on our 5-year strategy to be launched in 2026 looking at how the charity can extend our reach to the whole of the UK and ensure that everyone facing breast reconstruction feels fully informed and support whilst ensuring we continue our personal approach.

How can people get involved to support the work of Keeping Abreast?

Contact us! We have amazing opportunities to help run our support groups, events, fundraise for us and many more options!

We have several places to run in the Norwich Half Marathon in November – please contact us to take up this opportunity or check out our website for lots of exciting events and opportunities coming up.

To keep up to date with the work of Keeping Abreast, you can head to their Instagram (@keepingabreast) or visit their website (keepingabreast.org.uk).