Breast Cancer Awareness Month: we need to keep conversation going

Throughout October, communities across Kirkcaldy have been coming together to raise awareness, encourage people to be breast aware, support those living with a diagnosis, and raise money for research and support services.

What always stands out to me during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the number of people who give their time to make a difference. Whether it's organising an event, or simply starting a conversation, every single effort helps.

One of the things that makes our community so special is the way that people come together.

At Asda, that spirit is embodied by their incredible Community Champion, Jean, whose passion and energy have helped raise awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer for many years now.

Jean has a remarkable ability to get people involved, and every October I somehow find myself being ‘volunteered’ into wearing something pink or fluffy in support of the cause. But it's a small price to pay for raising awareness and supporting the fantastic work being done by so many people in our community.

The Ranch Dance Pink Party was another great example of that community spirit in action. Organised to raise funds for Breast Cancer Now, by Lorraine Brown and Lorna Cairns, the evening brought people together for a night of dancing, fundraising and friendship, all while supporting a cause that means a great deal to so many families.

Of course, these are just two examples of the many great efforts that took place throughout October; there have been lots of other Wear It Pink events and coffee mornings, all finding their own ways to raise awareness and funds. Some were large, some were small, but every one of them played an important part.

So as Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, let's not stop the conversation just because October has ended. Continuing to raise awareness, support one another and encourage early detection is something that matters all year round.