UK Youth-Focused Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Entering St Andrews

A student-led branch of the breast cancer awareness charity, CoppaFeel!, is seeking to expand its presence at the University of St Andrews by planning a series of events aimed at encouraging young people to become more familiar with their bodies and the signs of breast cancer. 

The St Andrews CoppaFeel! on-campus team is hoping to affiliate formally with the University while increasing awareness among students through talks, fundraising events, and collaborations with sports clubs. 

Maddison Ford, president of the St Andrews team, told The Saint that one of her main aims for the year is to “challenge the perception that breast cancer is an issue which only affects older women.” 

“[We are] trying to show that young people can get breast cancer, get to know their bodies, notice abnormalities early, and show that any age and any gender can get breast cancer,” she said.

Ford said that the group has plans to seek affiliation, noting that “CoppaFeel! on-campus teams at other universities are already formally affiliated.” She also hopes breast cancer awareness will receive greater attention across the university, particularly alongside other prominent student fundraising campaigns. 

While the group awaits a decision, they have begun building connections across the university. The team has collaborated with St Andrews’ netball, dance, and cheerleading communities, while some sports clubs have selected CoppaFeel! as their chosen charity. Volunteers have also taken to the streets to speak directly with students and members of the public. 

CoppaFeel! describes itself as the UK’s only youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity. Its work centres on encouraging eighteen to twenty four-year-olds to check their chests regularly and become familiar with what is normal for their bodies. 

The charity told The Saint: “We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual, they’re empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.”

It added that earlier diagnosis can make breast cancer treatment more effective and improve survival rates.

The St Andrews team is now seeking formal University affiliation. An application was submitted approximately two weeks ago, although the group has not yet received a response. 

“I think we need to get the message out,” Ford continued. “Breast cancer awareness should be just as big as Movember. Everyone should get involved.” 

The team is planning several awareness and fundraising events throughout October, including talks, a pub quiz, bra bedazzling, and a possible “boob bingo” event. Money raised by the group goes directly to CoppaFeel!, while the national charity provides the campus team with funding for awareness activities.

According to CoppaFeel!, university teams play an important role in making its message more relevant to younger audiences.

“Through our CoppaFeel! on Campus teams, our message is being spread by students, for students,” the charity said. “When a young person hears about chest-checking from someone their own age, in their own community, it feels relevant.” 

The charity continued: “Our research shows that at universities where we have a team, awareness of CoppaFeel!'s message is higher and students are more likely to have checked their chest. Just checking for the first time is already a huge step, and we're lucky enough to see the longer-term impact too.”

The charity added that campus teams can make a sensitive subject feel “empowering and approachable rather than scary,” whether that is through Freshers’ stalls, crafting events, or talks at sports matches.

“Breast cancer can affect anybody, and everybody is welcome in CoppaFeel’s community,” the charity said. “Whatever you call your chest, we want to make sure you have the tools to get to know your normal.”

“If you'd like to know more about CoppaFeel!'s work, checking your chest, and how we can help, visit coppafeel.org.” 

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons