Breast cancer awareness month: Why YOU should check your breasts!

 

Breast cancer awareness month is so important to raise awareness, with the intention to educate people about the disease, but to also recognise those that have been/are affected. It's a time for women (and men) to come together, celebrate survivors, become educated and continue fighting!

Did you know that in the UK, around 55.000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, with one woman diagnosed every 10 minutes.

It's so important that we all continue to talk about this topic, to help early prevention and to support those diagnosed. I've been deeply inspired by Angelina Hardy Taylor's story revolving her journey over the last year, to not only be brave enough to tell her story, but to help other women:

 

"My name is Angelina Hardy Taylor and I was diagnosed with hormone positive HER2 negative grade 3 stage 1 breast cancer at 26 years old on the 15th of November 2021. 
I remember that day so well, I walked into the clinic normal and walked out of the clinic a cancer patient, and my life has never been the same since. Suddenly my life resolved around scans, oncologists and breast nurses. 
I had a lumpectomy operation and lymphnode removal on the 22nd of December 2021 and on the 11th of January I miraculously found out that my operation was successfull and I was cancer free! 

But, I didn't escape treatment..
I started adjuvant treatment (preventative treatment) in January after I got my results.  Which includes a chemical menopause since January, and I also had to go through 6 rounds of tough chemotherapy treatments, I lost all my hair 2 weeks after my first chemotherapy infusion and I also had to endure 21 rounds of radiotherapy to my affected breast. 
I officially finished "active treatment" on the 14th of October 2022. My hormone treatment will remain for 10 years, including mammograms every year until I am 50 years old. 

Nobody tells you how to navigate all of this, especially at 26 years old..many people still to this day has the misconception that breast cancer is "an older woman's disease" when it simply isn't true. 

My advice to women my age, please don't be naive, check your boobs and be your own health advocate...because checking my breasts saved my life❤️"

 

How am I helping to raise awareness, and help those that experience breast cancer?

I believe that lingerie is such a big part of how we dress and can help build the foundations of our confidence. The right undergarments can have an effect on our body language, mood, confidence and our self-esteem, right? Although a lot of the time most people shy away from lingerie because they think it’s uncomfortable and expensive, they can’t find the right fit, or they simply feel too self-conscious to try it!

Who says that lingerie can’t be comfortable and empowering? At Abigail Walker Lingerie, you can get the best of both worlds (just like the iconic Hannah Montana once said!)

For many women who’ve been diagnosed, or are recovering post-surgery, you may start to become conscious of the lack of items that are available. I started to think about the endless search, and lack of inclusivity on the market/high street. Nobody wants those dated, medical brands made from fabric that simply isn’t breathable! You want that softness, matching underwear that you can choose that makes you feel feminine and empowered! 

This is why I create bespoke, custom lingerie, specifically designed for your measurements and shape, with no extra cost! I understand that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and my custom sizing option allows you to get your favourite lingerie set in your specific measurements. Even for women that have undergone breast(s) removal, the custom sizing option on our website gives you the opportunity to purchase the lingerie you’ve been eyeing up and gives you the confidence to embrace your body! 

A bonus? The bras include zero wiring or boning, so, yes you really can get the best of both worlds, with comfortable, yet sexy lingerie. Women shouldn't have to choose between comfort and feeling sexy, after going through one of the most harrowing experiences of their lives.

This year, I've added brand new pink sets to my Autumn collection, where a number of proceeds will be raised for CoppaFeelUK. A fantastic charity that educates young people on the importance of being aware of the signs and symptoms, and giving everyone the best possible chance of surviving breast cancer!

Lingerie has the power to make us feel good, and I truly stand by creating lingerie to fit all women, no matter what! Let’s continue raising awareness together and continue helping women to be seen and heard by large fashion brands…even if I am one step ahead of them!

If you’d like to check out our remaining pink collection, we have limited material quantities available. Although, you still have time to grab a pink set, and help us continue to raise awareness and support such a great cause that’s close to our hearts!