Meet the Boob Team: In conversation with CoppaFeel! for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so we sat down with the President of the Bristol University Boob Team, Elle, to learn more about the work of breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! and to understand why checking your chest is such a vital habit to form early. Elle first joined Bristol’s UBT as Vice President, before stepping up this year to become President. The Boob Team are student ambassadors for CoppaFeel! who run campaigns, socials, and educational events across campus.

Who are CoppaFeel!?

CoppaFeel! was founded in 2009 by Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at just 23, CoppaFeel! was born from her determination to prevent others from experiencing delayed diagnoses. Although Kris sadly passed away last year, her legacy lives on through the charity’s impact.

CoppaFeel! is on a mission to ensure that all breast cancers in young people are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage, giving people the best chance of successful treatment. Their goal is to get young people educated, encouraged, and empowered when it comes to breast health. 

The charity focuses on the “three E’s“:

• Education: teaching people the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
• Encouragement: normalising chest-checking as part of your monthly routine.
• Empowerment: giving people the confidence to contact their GP and advocate for themselves if they notice something unusual.

From pub quizzes to collaborations with other societies, Elle and her team ensure that breast cancer awareness remains a visible and consistent part of Bristol student life.

Why is it important for young people, especially students, to be aware of the risk of breast cancer?

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Elle starts by debunking the misconception that breast cancer is something that only affects older women. One of the biggest misconceptions, Elle explains, is that breast cancer only affects older women. While screenings don’t begin until your 50s, younger people can develop breast cancer. By starting self-checks early, it becomes a lifelong habit, and early detection saves lives.

It also doesn’t discriminate by gender; men too have breast tissue, and therefore are at risk of developing breast cancer. Around 400 men in the UK are diagnosed each year. So being aware of the risks of breast cancer is important for men, women, non-binary people, and everyone in between! Awareness matters for everyone.

How do you check your breasts?

Checking your chest doesn’t need to be daunting. Elle emphasises the importance of getting to know your own “normal”, because everybody is different.

“You know your body better than anybody else,” she says, adding: “something that might be completely normal for you could be something really unusual for somebody else and vice versa.”

However, as a general rule of thumb when checking, remember to cover the entire chest area: from your collarbone to your armpits, including your breasts and nipples. You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” time, but often it’s easiest to check in the shower or while getting dressed.

CoppaFeel! also runs a monthly text reminder service: text UBT to 82228 to get a nudge on the first of every month.

What are we looking for?

As Elle emphasised, the most important thing is being aware that what is abnormal for your body is key, but there are some telltale signs to look out for, such as: 

1. Skin puckering and changes
2. Unusual lumps or swelling
3. Liquid coming from your nipple
4. A rash or crusting around your nipple
5. The nipple is pulled inwards or changes direction
6. A sudden, unusual change in size or shape 
7. Constant, unusual pain in your breast, pec, or armpit 

And crucially, if in doubt, get it checked out. You know your own body better than anyone, and it is so important to go to your GP and flag anything unusual, and advocate for yourself in that situation. CoppaFeel! Stresses that seeking medical advice is never a waste of time.

For those supporting friends or loved ones with breast cancer, resources are available on the CoppaFeel! Website about providing emotional support and connecting with healthcare professionals. Talking openly with peers can also make the experience less isolating.

How can students get involved with CoppaFeel! in Bristol?

October is a busy time for the Boob team, with a packed calendar of awareness events planned for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To kick of the month, CoppaFeel! is running a pub quiz on Thursday, 9th October at Den & Terrace in collaboration with the Women in STEM Society. 

Previous events have included pink sports nights, yoga, bra-decorating socials, and movie screenings, all to get people engaged, talking, and checking. To keep up to date and find out what events the charity are running this month, follow @coppafeelbristol.

A CoppaFeel! membership is also free on the Bristol SU website.

To see more about the amazing work this charity does, see their website, or email @[email protected]