Hedwig started volunteering with us in 2014. For the past 10 years, she’s been delivering talks to groups across the UK as a public health volunteer, helping people become more breast aware. She tells us why she decided to become a public health volunteer, and why the talks are so important.
Why did you decide to become a public health volunteer?
Not long after my 50th birthday, at the end of 2012, I had my first routine mammogram. That’s when they discovered I had breast cancer. I felt fit and healthy and always considered myself breast aware. I hadn’t felt anything unusual, so the diagnosis came as a total shock.
My surgery took place a few days before Christmas, and I received more treatment for most of 2013.
After my recovery, I wanted to reach as many people as possible to raise awareness of breast cancer. So I started working with Breast Cancer Now as a public health volunteer. It gives me the opportunity to spread the TLC message - Touch, Look, Check, so that you get to know your normal by checking your breasts regularly.
Why is it important to spread this message?
I know from experience that an early diagnosis is so important. I was lucky with the timing of my screening. But many people may not be aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for.
People might think it’s difficult to be breast-aware, or that it’s too scary, so they may avoid it. But the TLC message shows that having awareness is nothing like that. In my talks, I explain the signs of possible breast cancer, and what to do if you notice something that isn’t normal for you.
Empowering people with this information can make a huge difference. I’m so happy when people tell me they learned something new. If only one person makes an appointment with their GP after attending a talk, I know we’re making a difference.
Who do you deliver talks to?
Over the years, I’ve delivered talks to so many different groups of people, from corporate lunches to community centres and fundraising events. We deliver these talks online and in-person to reach as many people as possible.
October is always a busy month as it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I also deliver a lot of talks around International Women’s Day on 8 March. Most of our audience are women, but I’ve also delivered a talk on International Men’s Day on 19 November.
What did you talk about for International Men’s Day?
It’s less known that men can get breast cancer. They have a much lower risk than women, but they can still get it. When talking to men, we explain the importance of getting to know their normal and being aware of any changes.
I love speaking to men so they can learn more about breast cancer. They can also encourage any women in their lives to be more breast-aware too. It’s important for everybody.
What do you enjoy most about being a public health talk volunteer?
I love doing the talks because I’m so passionate about spreading the TLC message. Being breast, chest and body aware should become part of our general knowledge, and something that everyone is comfortable talking about. That will make it easier for people to recognise and raise their concerns.
We’re all different, and we’re the experts of our own bodies. Anyone can get breast cancer, so remember to touch, look and check your breasts regularly. And if you notice anything new or unusual for you, check with your GP.
Book a talk for your community
Anyone can book a free public health talk, covering breast cancer awareness, detection, and prevention. Our trained public health volunteers, like Hedwig, can deliver talks online or in person, whether it’s in your local community, at your workplace or to another organisation in your network.