Maria's story

I’m part of a big Cypriot family. I have lost a lot of my relatives to breast cancer, including my 2 aunties when they were 38. When I turned 38, I was diagnosed with breast cancer too. I have the BRCA2 gene and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, the same year as my mum’s diagnosis.  

My mum’s cousin, my cousin and my uncle were diagnosed with breast cancer after us. Due to my mum having the gene test, lots of my family had genetic testing and as a result some have had preventative surgery.

I’m still here 7 years after treatment

I haven’t accessed Breast Cancer Now’s services yet, but I’ve heard other people’s stories of being supported. And for the last few years, I’ve taken part in Wear It Pink so I can raise awareness of breast cancer.

I think it’s important to Wear It Pink in October to raise awareness

Every year I take part in some kind of fundraising. This year I got the teaching staff at the school I work in to Wear It Pink. I think it’s important to Wear It Pink in October to raise awareness and get everyone checking their breasts.

In the lead up to our Wear It Pink event, I sent out emails and put up posters. On the day we had lots of pink food and drinks, and we had breast cancer awareness pins and accessories available too. We raised £140!  

My top 3 tips for Wear It Pink 

1. Connect it to a cause. Share stories – I used my own – or facts about how the money raised helps real people. This gives the event purpose beyond just the pink outfits. 
2. Make participation easy and fun. Encourage everyone to wear pink in creative ways. It could be clothes, accessories, decorations or even pink themed food to boost engagement. I looked out for deals on pink food and drink leading up to the event.
3. Promote and celebrate.  I sent work emails and even put posters up in the bathrooms at work. Photos and thanking help keep the message going beyond the day itself.