BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London hosted the Breast Awareness Roadshow on Saturday 19 September 2015.

Breast Cancer Care and The Football Association (FA) are working in partnership to raise national awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as early diagnosis can save lives. Every year, around 42,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in England – the equivalent of 100 people per day. This is predicted to rise to almost 50,000 by 2020.

A brand new Breast Awareness Roadshow bus began touring England from 2 September 2015 to provide vital information and support services to communities with lower levels of breast awareness, including BME (black and minority ethnic groups) and older women. The Roadshow will visit a total of 38 locations in England between September 2015 and April 2016.

BAPS Charities organised the bus at the Mandir to support this initiative where staff and trained volunteers provided information in Gujarati, Hindi and English and encouraged women of all ages and backgrounds to develop a better understanding of breast cancer.

188 people were educated in an environment that was comfortable for them to absorb the information and ask questions. Project Manager Manveet Barar shared: “It is so important to work in the local community at grassroots level and raise awareness of the disease. All information and support is free and confidential, and there’s no need to make an appointment.”

BAPS Charities also contributed to a positive video message on the value of breast cancer awareness and the impact it has on women and their families when breast cancer (or not) is detected early. The video provides an educational experience through testimonies of women who have acted upon changes they have observed. The contributions of two women, who are worshippers at the Mandir, were recognised at the conclusion of the video.

The Mandir has been a keen supporter of Breast Cancer Care since 2007 when it donated £12,000 as part of the centennial celebrations of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Breast Cancer Care have also featured with stalls and information booths during a number of events organised by the Mandir in London and activities by centres across the UK, including the Cycle Challenge held in Leicester in August 2008, the International Women’s Day celebrations in London in 2010, and during medical screenings at the Community Open Day in London in 2010. In 2009, BAPS also helped in producing and promoting an educational DVD for breast cancer concerns among Asian women. Last year, as a part of the Diwali celebrations, the Mandir was lit up in pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

To learn more about the Breast Awareness Roadshow, please follow the link here.

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